Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Lifestyle Senior Writer
APRIL 18 is a sacred day on the national calendar.
Zimbabweans across the divide need no reminder of how special it is, because it evokes memories of jubilation, renewed hope and deserved triumph.
It is the day Zimbabwe was born — 46 years ago — when her children were freed from colonial bondage.
As has become the norm, celebrations marking the day have become a staple on the local calendar, from village to national level.
Patriots — including former freedom fighters and beneficiaries of Government empowerment programmes — will be counting their blessings as we celebrate this milestone.
This year, all eyes will be on Maphisa Growth Point, where the President will, without doubt, deliver a national address.
Watched by millions across the country and beyond our borders, the event — broadcast live from start to finish — will be held at Minda High School under the theme “Zim@46: Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030.”
It will also be a meaningful opportunity for communities in Matabeleland South to follow the proceedings they have long been dreaming of.
For soccer lovers, there is plenty to look forward to.
Expensively assembled Scottland Football Club will take on Highlanders in the Uhuru Cup.
With Matabeleland largely home to many Bosso supporters, the match also coincides with Highlanders’ centenary celebrations.
A win would be historic for the Bulawayo giants, especially after a difficult start to the 2026 season — seven draws from seven matches, dropping 14 points, a tally that could easily have propelled them to the top of the Castle Lager Premier League standings.
As for Scottland — better known as Mabviravira — they also have a strong chance of lifting the Uhuru Cup, given the depth and quality of their squad.
Whoever emerges victorious, football should be the biggest winner, and fans in the stands deserve entertaining, competitive action.
Away from soccer action, the Independence Gala runs from 6pm to 6am, and it is set to be one of the major highlights of the day, capping the afternoon celebrations.
As Matabeleland hosts the festivities, the gala coordinators have once again made sure the programme reflects the region’s finest talent by featuring some of the crème de la crème — living legends from the area.
This will be a true representation of Matabeleland, featuring household names. What more can revellers expect when Imbube legend Sotja Moyo, who fronts Black Umfolosi, is headlining the act?
Iyasa’s inclusion will also raise expectations, and many fans hope to see a special collaboration with Chase Skuza on the song “Banolila,” as the ensemble performs it with absolute finesse.
Also in the lineup is Europe-bound Jeys Marabini, one of the region’s major showbiz stalwarts from the region.
Chase Skuza, Sandra Ndebele and Jeys Marabini as top acts.
Other top acts from the region include DT Mudimba (Day Tawanda Ncube), ndolwane Super Sounds, Bhadhila Indonsakusa, Nux Malax Ufasimba Group, Gudoluhle and Friends, Dubia Masters, Dereck Mpofu Bolamba Culture Birds, Zondamuthakathi Dance Group, and Zinja Ziyamuluman Mxolisi, along with other surprise acts from the region.
Dendera exponent Suluman Chimbetu, who — like his late father Simon “Chopper” Chimbetu — is patriotic, will be promoting the gospel of love, unity and development through song and dance in Maphisa.
Jah Master, who hardly disappoints such events, makes the line-up complete.
During the build-up, Black Umfolosi leader Moyo — a former Zipra freedom fighter who operated in the area — could only promise fans.
He also reminisced about his days in the bush and what he expects in Maphisa today.
“It’s a great feeling to be invited to Maphisa for the Independence gala celebrations.
“We are ready for the event, and we hope to deliver one of our polished shows.
“We can’t afford to disappoint fans who have a lot of faith in us,” he boldly declared.
Famed for their song “Unity,” which is still as sweet as ever, they firmly believe Uhuru should be deserved with pride.
“We need to honour those who fought for the birth of Zimbabwe and other outstanding figures in Zimbabwe.
“Independence is a time for us to reflect on where we came from and on identity, which shapes us as Zimbabweans.
“This is the special time we need to celebrate being Zimbabweans.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by Skuza, who hails from Plumtree.
“This is the perfect opportunity for the people of Matabeleland South to come in numbers and celebrate independence as a family.
“Independence means a lot for us — it’s for everybody and not a few selected people. We should all cherish this special holiday and celebrate it together as a family.
“In my case, I am already in the celebration mood, and I can assure you of the fireworks on the 18th of this month,” asserted Skuza.
The lanky performer, who comes from a rich musical family including the late Solomon Skuza, has vowed to utilise the opportunity.
“We are going to Maphisa to have fun with others and nothing more.”
Promising Andy Muridzo, who was raised in Bulawayo, revealed that the gala is more of a reunion with his fans in Matabeleland.
“It feels good to be performing in Matabeleland, which is closer to Bulawayo — my favourite town—since I once stayed there.
“Each time that I perform, there is a special connection between me and my fans, which gives me the urge to do well on stage.
“I can only promise fireworks because the new dispensation under President Mnangagwa has given us the freedom to express ourselves on a bigger platform.
“I can assure fans that I won’t disappoint them in Maphisa,” he said.
It is also refreshing that revellers’ safety has been taken care of by the Government during preparations, where fire and ambulance services have been made available.
All these efforts are meant to make Maphisa Growth Point buzzing this weekend with music and excitement.
Like any other national event of this magnitude, stallholders and local enterprises are also looking forward to the event, which is expected to awaken the usually sleepy town of Maphisa into song and dance.
Serious road rehabilitation has also taken place in the area, with the Government hosting state functions.
A business boom is expected, with the Government assuring attendees of maximum security.
Besides the guaranteed fun in Maphisa, today’s main celebrations are set to attract thousands of people who will be showcasing their different dress codes.
A must-attend event for those in Maphisa and its environs, the main Uhuru celebrations promise nothing but fireworks.
It would be a marvel to see how the old guard fares against the current crop of stars when they take to the stage in Maphisa.
This time around, attention will again be on musical greats led by Skuza, Moyo and Marabini, who have mastered the art of delivering on big platforms.
For all the artists in the line-up, the Maphisa gala will be a perfect platform to link up with fans.
Last year, Nembudziya Government High School in Gokwe, Midlands, hosted the 45th Uhuru Musical Gala, featuring an impressive line-up that included Simon Mutambi, Admire “Chief Hwenje” Sibanda, Suluman Chimbetu, Andy Muridzo, Clement Magwaza, Argatha Murudzwa, Shantel Sithole, Jah Signal, the Mbare Chimurenga Choir, Sandra Ndebele and Peter Moyo.
Ultimately, as Zimbabwe marks April 18, the day should not only be celebrated for what was won, but also for what it inspires us to achieve.
With unity, development, and Vision 2030 in focus, Zimbabwe’s journey continues — stronger, brighter, and more determined than ever.
