Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor
SINCE the attainment of independence on April 18, 1980, Zimbabwe has been looking at ways of growth and development in honour of the supreme sacrifice of the gallant sons and daughters of the soil.
The deliberate stance by the government to push for each region to play a role in the socio-economic and political development of the country has seen provinces contributing significantly to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
As the nation counts down to April 18, and celebrates the sacrifice of both living and fallen heroes of the country, the theme: ‘Zimbabwe@45: Devolve and Develop together towards Vision 2030,’ encapsulates the vision of all playing a part in building Zimbabwe.
The theme not only speaks to development and devolution but is a rallying call for a united approach in the country’s quest for an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
It speaks to the hopes and aspirations of those who left their homes to fight for the country’s independence from the clutches of white minority rule.
By seeking to include all in the development agenda, and by Gokwe hosting the momentous celebrations; the theme seeks to reflect the government’s commitment towards making sure that everyone is included in the development aspirations of the government.
“In line with the thrust of the Second Republic to hold national events rotationally across the country’s provinces the 45th Independence Anniversary Celebrations will be held on April 18, at the Nembudziya Growth Point Open ground venue in Gokwe North,” the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere said.
“As per tradition, the Children’s party will precede the main Celebrations on April 17, at Nyamuroro High School while, the independence Gala will be hosted at Nembudziya Government School on the eve of April 18, 2025. Running under the theme” Zimbabwe @45: Devolve and Develop together towards Vision 2030,” the celebrations are poised to attract over 60 000 people bumper crowd drawn from the country’s ten provinces will attend the belated celebrations.”
For the Midlands Province this year, as the independence flame travels through centres such as Mberengwa, Gweru, Sikombela, the journey for Uhuru is remembered and honoured while the refurbishment of graves and construction of a museum at the former Sikombela restriction camp celebrates the fallen heroes of Chimurenga.
“The 2025 Independence Flame route will pass through various centres in Mberengwa, Gweru, Kwekwe, and Sikombela Detention Camp, Gokwe District until it reaches Nembudziya Growth Point. The Independence Flame will reach Mutapa Hall on April 10, 2025 where it will be lit by Vice President Honourable (Gen.) Rtd. C.G.D.N. Chiwenga. Thereafter, it will proceed through all the Midlands districts until it reaches Sikombela former Restriction Camp on April 17, 2025, where it will be received by Vice President Honourable (Col.) Rtd. K.C.D. Mohadi.
“It will then proceed to its final destination at Nembudziya Growth Point. A total of 132 graves across heroes’ shrines in the Midlands Province are being adorned with concrete slabs while the construction of a field museum and a memorial plinth at the former Sikombela Restriction Camp will be completed prior to April 17, 2025. Other places of the Liberation Struggle significance such as Connemara and Mutapa Hall have already been facelifted. A VaShangwe Cultural Village legacy project will be established in Gokwe North District, Nembudziya Growth Point for the 46th Independence Celebrations,” Dr Muswere said.
By devolving such events, the government is tackling infrastructural growth, and improving public service delivery while enhancing accountability at local government levels all critical elements towards Vision 2030.
The devolution agenda and the holding of celebrations in different areas of the country allow for the celebration of diversity and for different peoples to tell their unique stories and journeys towards independence, while also exploring their cultural identities that make up the Zimbabwean people.
