Story by ZBC Reporters
AWAY from the main national event in Maphisa, Zimbabweans across the country gathered at provincial centres on Saturday to commemorate Independence Day, reflecting on freedom, unity and socio-economic progress since April 18, 1980.
In Mashonaland Central, thousands converged at Chimhanda School Ground in Rushinga District for provincial commemorations that drew regional solidarity, with a delegation from Zambia in attendance. Luangwa District Commissioner, Mr Luke Chikani, commended Zimbabwe’s development trajectory and enduring bilateral ties.
Proceedings featured military parades by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, including inspection, drills and march displays. The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo, also commissioned the Chimhanda School of Nursing, leaving a lasting infrastructure legacy for the district.
Across the province, the celebrations were anchored on a strong message of unity, with communities affirming a shared national identity.
In Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province, large crowds gathered as traditional leaders reflected on the significance of independence in restoring cultural authority and driving grassroots development.
“Independence has restored the dignity of traditional leaders, and our authority has been reaffirmed. Within our communities, we are witnessing significant development, from the drilling of boreholes to the establishment of village business units, all of which are transforming livelihoods,” a traditional leader said.
Another added: “Independence brought self-rule to us as Zimbabweans, and as traditional leaders, our dignity has been restored. We are grateful. We have also seen major development projects such as the Gwayi-Shangani Dam and the expansion of Units 7 and 8 at Hwange Power Station, which will improve the quality of life for Zimbabweans.”
Hosting celebrations in Hwange also paid tribute to the sacrifices of the liberation struggle, particularly the historic Wankie Battle of 1967.
In Masvingo Province, thousands gathered at Gibbo Stadium in Chiredzi, where economic empowerment emerged as a central theme of the commemorations.
“Independence is more than just political freedom, but this economic freedom we are witnessing today is the best independence. The reason why we come to attend these celebrations is because we understand the sacrifices that led to our freedom and now that economic empowerment has been brought to us, we are even happier,” an attendee said.
Presiding over the event, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, emphasised unity as a catalyst for sustained development.
“As a province, we celebrate independence, fully appreciative of the economic growth we have witnessed. We now have modern infrastructure, roads, as well as a vibrant agriculture sector,” he said.
The event also drew regional participation, with Mozambique’s Secretary of State for Gaza Province, Honourable Jaime Neto, delivering a solidarity message.
“We are here to celebrate with a sister nation because we have been together since long back and we will continue to stand with Zimbabwe,” he said.
More than 10 000 people attended the Masvingo celebrations, which were marked by precision military displays and vibrant traditional dance performances, highlighting the country’s cultural heritage alongside its development milestones.
