Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE Government is set to upscale the implementation of legacy development projects in Matabeleland South, which have been rolled out ahead of hosting the 46th Independence Day Celebrations on April 18, 2026, in Maphisa.
With only three months left before the Independence celebrations, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, has rallied stakeholders to direct effort towards making the day a success.
Several development projects have been rolled out across various sectors.
Under the education sector, 40 Science laboratories are set to be established across the province. The construction of Gwanda-Maphisa Road is underway, in a development which is set to unlock economic activity.
The construction of a stadium is underway at Maphisa Open Grounds, which is going to be the main venue for the Independence Celebrations.
Minister Nguluvhe said other priority areas include improving network coverage and maintenance of roads.
“It’s a great honour and privilege for us as a province to be hosting next year’s Independence Day Celebrations.
Hosting this event comes with significant development for our province, which will have a significant impact on the lives of community members.
“With three months left before Independence Celebrations, there is a need to scale up completion of several legacy projects that have been rolled out in the province.
“I will engage Treasury to ensure timeous release of funds. The duty of seeing these projects doesn’t lie with Government only, but all stakeholders have to be involved,” Nguluvhe said.
Other developments that are being implemented include renovation of the classroom blocks, construction of eight classroom blocks and eight modern teachers’ cottages at Mahetshe Primary in Maphisa, which has been identified as the venue for the Children’s Party. Two ECD classroom blocks will also be established.
A computer lab will be established at the school, while the sports field will be upgraded. Mahetshe Secondary School, also in Maphisa, has been identified as the music gala venue.
A 700-seater hall and four more classroom blocks will be constructed, as well as an Advanced Level block, computer lab, staff toilets, two Science laboratories, an administration block, teacher’s cottages and staff toilets.
“Among the major projects is the construction of the Gwanda-Maphisa Road, which is underway. Construction of this road will enhance connectivity and economic activity in the region,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“The Gwanda-Maphisa Road connects several districts and links vital economic centres, including Arda Antelope, the Makwe Irrigation Scheme, two border posts, and various tourist sites in Matobo.
“Once completed, the road is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Gwanda and surrounding districts, particularly Matobo, improving access to services and opening up new economic opportunities in mining and agriculture.”
He called upon various stakeholders from the province to embrace the celebrations and work towards success. The minister also urged hiring locals and awarding tenders to local companies.
“The citizens of Matabeleland South should own these celebrations. We also need to be united as a province. Each individual has a role to play in making this day a success- from the highest office bearer to the community members,” said Nguluvhe.
“Local authorities and ministries also have a role to play and I urge them to work vigilantly in line with Government’s development agenda.”
Further works to be carried out by local authorities, Government ministries and agencies include rehabilitation of a 2 600km road network throughout the province.
“Rehabilitation and completion of Kezi Hospital. The hospital will also be equipped to enable effective service delivery,” he said.
The 2026 Independence Day celebrations and Children’s Party will be held in Maphisa area in Matabeleland South Province, followed by Masvingo in 2027.
The venues have been selected in line with the Cabinet-approved criteria for the selection of a venue for hosting the annual Independence Day and Children’s Party celebrations.
The Second Republic’s Devolution Agenda catalysed a transformative shift, decentralising these events and instituting a rotational format across the ten provinces, commencing in 2021.
The rotation of provinces hosting Independence Day and Children’s Party Celebrations has seen Harare, 2021; Bulawayo, 2022; Mashonaland Central, 2023; Manicaland, 2024; and Midlands, 2025 hosting in the last five years.
The goal is to use these events to drive infrastructure growth in targeted areas.
Last year’s Independence Day Celebrations and 2025 Children’s Party were held in Gokwe North District, Midlands Province.–-@DubeMatutu
