Zim@46: Thaluso Da Poet makes his mark at Independence celebrations

Langalakhe Mabena

Award-winning poet Thaluso Da Poet has described performing before President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the Zim@46 Independence celebrations as a moment of immense pride, saying the opportunity affirmed the growing national recognition of his work.

This year’s main Independence commemorations were held at Maphisa Growth Point in Matobo District, Matabeleland South, as part of the Government’s policy to decentralise national events in line with President Mnangagwa’s mantra of “leaving no place and no one behind”.

Thaluso was among a select group of five poets chosen from across the country to take to the main stage, where he delivered a poem in honour of the President, highlighting the achievements of the Second Republic in driving economic and infrastructural development.

Reflecting on the experience, he said the opportunity was both humbling and deeply meaningful.
“It was a great honour for me to be among the five poets chosen nationwide to perform in front of President Mnangagwa at this year’s Independence celebrations. I don’t take such an invitation lightly. For me to stand on that stage and recite my poetry is a sign that I’m striking the right chords.
“I penned and performed a poem specifically in honour of the President because he’s among the brave liberators who’re still alive and continue to carry the vision forward. He has made significant strides in promoting unity and peace among Zimbabweans, and the message in my poem was to give him his flowers while he can still smell them,” said Thaluso Da Poet.

The Gwanda-born poet also applauded the decentralisation of national celebrations, saying it helps spread development and strengthens a sense of inclusion among communities.
“I’m a son of Matabeleland South, and it fills me with pride that this year’s Independence celebrations were held here. This brought development to our region, as we saw the construction of a stadium, a cultural centre, and new school blocks at Minda High and Primary schools.
“If this idea of rotating national events across the country continues, the nation will develop more evenly, and everyone will feel included. Such initiatives bring hope and play a significant role in promoting peace and unity in Zimbabwe,” he said.

Thaluso Da Poet also called on young people to take an active role in national development, saying they are central to shaping Zimbabwe’s future.
“To fellow young people, our liberators played their part in freeing us from colonial rule. Through their sacrifice, we now have land that we can utilise for agriculture, mining, and other economic activities.
“This is our heritage, and as future leaders, we must begin now to build our nation. We’re the force that can bring about meaningful change in Zimbabwe. We must use our land productively, guided by the values taught by our founding leaders, including Father Zimbabwe, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo.
“With these celebrations being held in Maphisa, where Nkomo hailed from, it is now up to us, the youth, to honour his legacy by making the land productive and contributing to sustainable economic growth.”