Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Politics Hub
AS Zimbabwe counts down to its 46th Independence Day, the choice of Maphisa as the national host venue is a strategic move by the Second Republic to entrench inclusivity and balanced development across all provinces, Zanu PF Secretary for Information and Publicity, Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa, has said.
Addressing a Press conference ahead of the landmark celebrations slated for Saturday, Cde Mutsvangwa said: “President Mnangagwa decided that the main Independence Day celebrations should not be confined to Harare, as part of a broader effort to promote inclusivity across the country.
“We will be in a profoundly historic moment in Maphisa as a nation, and we want all citizens to approach the Independence event with the seriousness and dignity it deserves.
“Our identity is rooted in the national liberation movement and the sacrifices made during the liberation war.
“The people of Zimbabwe paid a heavy price for this freedom.”
Preparations in Maphisa are already at an advanced stage, with road rehabilitation, venue construction and accommodation upgrades underway.
Cde Mutsvangwa said Vice-President Mohadi was in Maphisa overseeing the process to ensure everything meets the required standards.
“Matabeleland South serves as a vital bridge linking us with South Africa, reflecting our shared pursuit of prosperity as a nation.
“Maphisa is located roughly equidistant from the Mapungubwe monuments in South Africa. One of the country’s most prestigious honours is the Order of Mapungubwe.
“Closer to home, we also have the Khami Ruins, which form an important part of the broader Great Zimbabwe civilisation,” he said.
After this year’s Independence Day celebrations and Children’s Party in Maphisa, Masvingo is slated to host the festivities in 2027.
These venues have been carefully chosen in line with criteria approved by Cabinet.
The Second Republic’s Devolution Agenda catalysed a transformative shift, decentralising national events and instituting a rotational format across the country’s ten provinces, commencing in 2021.
The rotation of provinces hosting Independence Day and Children’s Party festivities has seen Bulawayo (2022), Mt Darwin in Mashonaland Central (2023), Buhera in Manicaland (2024), and Gokwe in the Midlands (2025) hosting over the past four years.
One of the main goals is to use national events to drive infrastructure growth in targeted areas.
