Online Reporter
The Zimbabwe Independence Torch was officially lit on Wednesday in a stirring ceremony held at the Museum of Human Sciences, at the Civic Centre in Harare, thereby marking the beginning of the relay ahead of the Independence Day celebrations on April 18.
Presided over by Lovemore Mandima, the Southern Region Manager for the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, the event ignited more than just a flame, it rekindled the nation’s collective memory of sacrifice, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of freedom.
From the heart of the capital, the symbolic flame embarked on a significant journey in which on Thursday, it will make a ceremonial stop-over in Kwekwe, where it will be handed over to the Midlands provincial leadership.
The relay will then proceed to Gweru later that day, where Vice President Constantino Chiwenga will receive the torch and preside over a formal ceremony.
Nembudziya in Gokwe North District is the venue for the national Independence Day celebrations this year, where President Emmerson Mnangagwa will preside over the final leg of the torch relay, a powerful moment anticipated to unite the nation in celebration and reflection.
A beacon of hope
In a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage called on all Zimbabweans to witness the passage of the flame, which they described as “an enduring symbol of the country’s struggle for freedom and its commitment to building a better future for all its citizens.”
“As the flame continues to burn brightly,” the Ministry said, “it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices by those who fought for our Independence and as a beacon of hope for generations to come. Additionally, it represents the spirit of love, sacrifice, determination, and collective unity and gallantry.”
VP Chiwenga to light Independence Torch in Gweru
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga is expected to arrive at Monomotapa Hall (Mtapa Hall) in Gweru this morning to light the Independence Torch.
Last year, VP Chiwenga officiated at a similar ceremony in Rusape, where he presented the Independence torch to the leadership of Manicaland Province at the historic Magamba/Butcher Site.
The atmosphere in Gweru is already festive, with excitement building ahead of the Vice President’s arrival.
Monomotapa Hall, a landmark of resilience against colonial rule, holds a significant place in Zimbabwe’s history.
It was at this venue that the first ZANU Congress took place in May 1964, just a few months after the party’s formation in August 1963.
During this congress, the powerful declaration “We are our own liberators by direct confrontation” was made, marking a decisive shift from diplomatic efforts to armed struggle in the fight for liberation.
As the country prepares to celebrate its independence, the lighting of the torch symbolises both remembrance of the sacrifices made and a commitment to ongoing progress and unity.
VP Chiwenga arrives in Gweru
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has arrived at Monomotapa Hall in Gweru to light the Independence Torch.
Accompanying the Vice President are several senior Government officials, including:
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe
Sports, Arts, Recreation and Culture Minister, Lieutenant General (Retired) Anselem Sanyatwe,
Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube
Minister of Welfare of War Veterans Monica Mavunga
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Chido Sanyatwe
Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini
As the country gears up to celebrate independence, the lighting of the torch symbolises both a remembrance of the sacrifices made and a commitment to ongoing progress and unity.
VP opens rehabilitated Mtapa Hall
Vice President Chiwenga has officially opened the historic and rehabilitated Mtapa Hall in Gweru. He is now touring independence exhibition stands in the hall.
Independence Flame lit
Dr Chiwenga has lit the Independence Torch.
Hundreds of people are gathered at Mtapa Hall to witness the lighting of the torch.
Host Minister commends Government for taking national celebrations to Midlands
The Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Owen Ncube has taken to the podium.
Minister Ncube said Midlands Province prides itself in hosting this year’s Independence Day national celebrations in Nembudziya, Gokwe.
He said 100 000 people are expected to attend the celebrations.
“The Second Republic is commended for taking the independence celebrations to all the country’s provinces and making sure that no one and no place is left behind,” he said.
Armed struggle was not a walk in the park: War Vets Minister
Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle, Cde Mocica Mavunga takes to the podium
She said the Government is prioritising the decentralization of national events in line with leaving no place behind.
Minister Mavunga commended President Mnangagwa for recognising war veterans by creating a ministry that oversees their welfare.
“The Ministry is doing everything to ensure support for veterans of the liberation struggle. In that regard, no veteran will be displaced from their land,” she said.
“It is here at Mtapa Hall that our nationalists held their first congress and took a decision to take the armed struggle to emancipate marginalized people.
“As we reflect on the ZANU Congress, let’s not forget the spirit of unity. We must remain loyal to the blood shed by the gallant sons and daughters of the soil.
‘The armed struggle was not a walk in the park; it was a difficult period and the masses and war collaborators’ efforts ensured the liberation struggle went on,” said Minister Mavunga.
Home Affairs Ministry rehabilitates national monuments
Minister Kazembe Kazembe takes to the podium and highlights the projects that have been worked on in honour of the nation’s remarkable journey to freedom.
“Independence is a living legacy that embodies our trials and triumphs as a nation.
“My ministry is honoured to have revived the national monuments at Mtapa Hall in Gweru, Connemara Open Prison and at Sikombela Detention Camp in Gokwe.
“These projects save as vital connections to our culture and identity,” said Minister Kazembe.
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga igniting the Independence Flame in Gweru earlier today.
