Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
TSHOLOTSHO District has ramped up preparations to host the Matabeleland North Provincial Independence Day celebrations on April 18, reinforcing the Government’s decentralisation policy and the need to extend the benefits of Uhuru to all parts of the country.
The main event will take place at Tsholotsho Stadium, located just a stone’s throw from the business centre, while the traditional children’s party will be held at Tsholotsho High School the day before.
Last year, the provincial celebrations were held in Binga, and in 2023, the event took place in Umguza District.
Tsholotsho District Development Co-ordinator, Mr Aaron Gono, expressed excitement about hosting the provincial celebrations, describing it as a long-awaited opportunity.
“As a district, we received this news with great joy and excitement. We believe this event will boost business in the area and contribute to development. For instance, plans are already in place to rehabilitate the Bulawayo-Tsholotsho Road,” said Mr Gono.
He added that the district’s State Functions Committee had already been activated, with three preparatory meetings held so far.
“The children’s party will be hosted at Tsholotsho High School, while the main Independence Day event will take place at Tsholotsho Stadium,” he said.
The Midlands province will host the national Independence Day celebrations in Nembudziya, Gokwe District, under the theme: “@45 Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030”.
Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, said Tsholotsho is expected to benefit from hosting the Independence Day celebrations.
“Tsholotsho District will hold our Independence Day commemorations this year. We are doing this in line with President Mnangagwa’s policy that the Government should rotate national events.
“We know that hosting such events brings about economic development. Roads will be rehabilitated, and other infrastructure will be constructed,” said Minister Moyo.
“As we prepare to host the Independence Day commemorations in Tsholotsho, we have instructed Umguza and Tsholotsho Rural District Councils, as well as the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (Rida), to work together in rehabilitating the Bulawayo-Tsholotsho Road.”
He emphasised the urgency of rehabilitating the Bulawayo-Tsholotsho Road, as this will increase traffic volumes in the lead-up to the Independence Day celebrations.
The district is home to political, social, and sporting icons, including the late Vice President and former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Landa John Nkomo, former Cabinet Minister and Provincial Governor, Ambassador Cain Mathema, Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube, Major General (Retired) Sibangumuzi Khumalo, Deputy Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities and Tsholotsho South legislator Honourable Musa Ncube, the late former first Deputy Minister of Mines in independent Zimbabwe Njini Ntuta, and former Cabinet Minister Mr Samuel Sipepa Nkomo.
Zimbabwe gained its independence on 18 April 1980, following the defeat of the settler regime in a fierce armed struggle that ushered in majority rule.
