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after the stadium was filled to capacity by mid-morning.
The three main parties in Government were all represented at the highest level.
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, Deputy Prime Ministers Arthur Mutambara and Thokozani Khupe were all in attendance alongside the top-brass from their parties.
MDC leader Professor Welshman Ncube attended the Bulawayo celebrations.
President Mugabe and the First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe arrived to a thunderous welcome from the crowd.
Also present were service chiefs and representatives from the African National Congress of South Africa.
People were treated to military displays, while Alick Macheso and Tryson Chimbetu performed before a soccer match pitting Dynamos and Highlanders.
Manyame High School performed mass displays.
The President presided over the proceedings in Harare.
Provincial governors and ministers presided over celebrations in the provinces where they inspected guards of honour and read the President’s speech.
In Mashonaland East Province, thousands of people thronged Rudhaka stadium in Marondera.
Mashonaland East Governor and Resident Minister Aeneas Chigwedere read the President’s speech.
Zanu-PF Central Committee member Cde Roselyn Makoni said; “As people celebrate independence they should remember that it is as a result of Zimbabweans who lost their lives to set us free.”
At least 3 000 people gathered at Wedza High School, Chigwedere Secondary School and Garabha Growth point where at least five beasts were slaughtered.
African National Party president Egypt Dzinemunenzva said people from all political parties must unite for the benefit of all Zimbabweans.
“Independence is not for a specific political party, but for everyone since many fought for it. Mistakes have been made in the past, but a positive future for future generations must be prioritised,” he said.
In Chinhoyi, people gathered at Chinhoyi Stadium.
Proceedings started with Governor and Resident Minister Faber Chidarikire inspecting a four detachment parade before reading the President’s speech.
Police and defence forces displays, including horse displays by the Air Force of Zimbabwe’s mounted regiment for the first time this year entertained those in attendance.
The celebrations also went on well in Hurungwe, Kariba and Chirundu.
The celebrations in Hurungwe partially turned gloomy after information of the death of President Mugabe’s father in-law Cde Samuel Chenjerai Marufu of Kapiri, filtered to most of the areas in the morning.
Cde Marufu passed away at Karoi Hospital on Wednesday morning.
In Chegutu, thousands of people thronged Pfupajena Stadium where at least 15 beasts were slaughtered and entertainment was provided by Nyau dancers, drum majorettes and local artistes before Chegutu Pirates and Blue Jets football clubs clashed.
In Mutasa District in Manicaland the celebrations were held at Mutasa DC, where over 1000 people attended.
The entertainment was provided by children and four cattle were slaughtered, while 600 litres of vinyu, a local beer brew were provided.
In Bindura the activities started in the morning with a procession of drum majorettes drawn from various Bindura Schools, members of the uniformed forces and a mass band from the Artillery Brigade and Police dance band from Chipadze Secondary School to Chipadze Stadium.
Mashonaland Central Governor Advocate Martin Dinha inspected the parade made up of members of the Zimbabwe National Army, Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Zimbabwe Prison Service and then read the presidential speech afterwards.
Speaking to the Herald nine year old Andrew Bisaliel said the country’s independence was something everyone should cherish.
“The independence of our country means us as children will have a bright future and every Zimbabwean should be happy that some people
sacrificed their lives for this to happen,” he said.
At least 3 000 people attended the ceremony in Bindura.
In Nyanga District, the celebrations were held at Nyanga Country club, where 3000 people were in attendance. All political parties were represented with Zanu-PF provincial secretary for finance Supa Mandiwanzira providing the public address system.
In Mutare the celebrations were held at Sakubva Stadium with over 30 000 in attendance. Manicaland provincial Governor Cde Chris Mushowe read the President speech which received a rousing applause from the people. An elephant and more than 1000 kgs of beef were used to feed the people.
Although other parties were represented, MDC-T officials were conspicuous by their absence.
Thousands of people packed Mucheke stadium in Masvingo to join the rest of the nation in commemorating independence day amid pomp and fanfare.
Proceedings started at 8am with a parade comprising detachments from the army, police and prison service marching accompanied by drum majorettes to the stadium.
Provincial Governor Cde Titus Maluleke read President Mugabe’s speech.
The crowd was entertained by ZCC Mutendi Brass.
Zanu-PF politburo member Cde Dzikamai Mvahaire challenged the youths to emulate the spirit of those who fought to liberate the country.
Scores of people gathered at Dulibadzimu stadium in Beitbridge to mark the country’s 33 rd independence celebrations.
The commemorations started as early as 7am with an 89 minutes march by the Lotsha Economic Empowerment Trust. The sponsored walk which sought to honour President Mugabe and cherish the country’s independence started at Total Garage and ended at the stadium.
Among those who attended the celebrations were Senator for Beitbridge Tambudzani Mohadi, Beitbridge West MP Metrine Mudau, MDC-T clrs Danmore Dzokurasa, Win Mutasa and Fanuel Mandebvu.
Co-Home Affairs Minister, Cde Kembo Mohadi led the proceedings which were witnessed by 1500 people and read the President’s speech.
Thousands of people gathered at various venues in Matabeleland and Midlands to mark the country’s independence anniversary.
Hundreds converged at White City Stadium in Bulawayo to celebrate the day. Governor and Resident Minister for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Cde Cain Mathema, read President Mugabe’s speech before the huge crowd was treated to an impressive array of entertainment.
Among the prominent people who attended the event, was the Officer Commanding police in Bulawayo, Senior Assistant Commissioner Stephen Mutamba, senior civil servants, the newly appointed Zanu-PF provincial chairperson, Cde Callistus Ndlovu and MDC leader Professor Welshman Ncube.
In Matabeleland South, an estimated 3 000 people from all walks of life braved the scorching sun when they thronged Pelandaba Stadium in Gwanda to celebrate the main 33rd Independence Day celebrations in the province.
Matabeleland South Governor, Angeline Masuku read President Mugabe’s speech.
In Gweru, thousands of people from across Midlands province filled up Mkoba Stadium as early as 7 pm.
Governor Jason Machaya inspected the parade which was mounted by members of the Zimbabwe National Army, Air force of Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Zimbabwe Prison Services.
At Somhlolo Stadium in Lupane in Matabeleland North representatives of political parties in the Inclusive Government attended the commemorations.
Matabeleland North Governor, Thokozile Mathuthu read the President’s speech which was warmly received by the crowd.
Lupane West MP, Cde Martin Khumalo said this year’s commemorations captured the inclusiveness of the Government.
“Over the years especially after the formation of the Inclusive Government, the celebrations were hardly attended by members of the two MDC factions. However, this time around there has been a great improvement in that everyone from all the political parties was here to celebrate the hard-won independence that was fought for. I am happy that they have been able to acknowledge the fact that they are Zimbabweans as well,” he said.
Online Reporter