Source: The Herald – Breaking news.
Preparations for President Mnangagwa and First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa to host 3 050 child delegates at the Children’s Party scheduled for Nyamuroro High School tomorrow have also been completed, with children starting to arrive today. 
Herald Reporters
ALL is set for the country’s 45th Independence Day celebrations at Nembudziya Growth Point in Gokwe, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe has said.
This comes as Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube donated 70 cattle for the festivities which will be held under the theme “Zim@45: Devolve and Develop Together towards Vision 2030”.
Said Minister Garwe: “As we speak, the facilities are 100 percent complete. We have done some inspections and we are ready to go.”
Preparations for President Mnangagwa and First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa to host 3 050 child delegates at the Children’s Party scheduled for Nyamuroro High School tomorrow have also been completed, with children starting to arrive today.
Provinces have already selected their child delegates to attend the annual Children’s Party which precedes the 45th main Independence celebrations to be held at Mutora Open Grounds at Nembudziya Growth Point in Gokwe.
Minister Ncube yesterday said all modalities were in place for the two major events.
“We are ready to host Independence celebrations. As for the Children’s Party, the children will start arriving tomorrow (today),” he said.
He said those who fail to make it to Nembudziya, will celebrate the day in their respective wards in Gokwe Kana Constituency.
Addressing villagers and Zanu PF members, the minister emphasised the significance of respecting veterans of the liberation struggle.
He reminded attendees that Zimbabwe’s freedom was achieved through sacrifices made by the country’s sons and daughters who fought against imperialism.
“I am here to donate 70 cattle to you so that you celebrate the 45th Independence Day eating and drinking as you are reminded of the great sacrifices done by the gallant sons and daughters of the country who participated in the war of liberation,” he said.
Minister Ncube encouraged war veterans to participate in the Independence celebrations in Nembudziya, presided over by President Mnangagwa.
He said hosting the celebrations had brought many development projects to Gokwe North District.
“Several development projects are underway in Gokwe North, including the construction of roads with major road upgrade projects nearing completion, such as the Gunguhwe Bridge,” he said.
Minister Ncube said computer laboratories, new classroom blocks, as well as renovation of existing ones have been completed at different schools such as Nyamuroro Primary School.
A mortuary has been constructed at Nembudziya District Hospital, with renovations and the VIP ward complete.
“Presidential solar-powered boreholes have been drilled so that there is constant supply of clean and safe water for the people and their livestock. The celebrations have also led to employment opportunities for over 800 youths and women. So, I encourage you all to preach unity, peace and development, aligning with the Government’s vision for a prosperous Zimbabwe in line with Vision 2030,” he said.
Key milestones ahead of the celebrations include the completion of the football pitch, terraces and the construction of ablution facilities, classrooms and changing rooms at the main arena at the Open Grounds.
Football pitch, lawn planting is 100 percent complete. Topsoiling and levelling of bumpy areas on the pitch is in progress. Outstanding works include ground marking and installations of dugouts and goal posts.
At Nyamuroro Vocational Training Centre a female hostel has been constructed as well as ablution and administration blocks.
Septic tanks have been serviced at Nembudziya High School.
Villagers in Gokwe say they are thrilled to witness the first-ever Independence Day celebrations hosted in their province, describing it as a moment of pride and long-overdue recognition.
“We used to only listen to these celebrations on radio, never imagining they could come to our doorstep. Now we feel recognised, we feel like part of the bigger Zimbabwe,” said 67-year-old Mbuya Shumba from Nemangwe.
A youth leader from a traditional dance troupe in Njelele, Tafadzwa Dube, said it was their chance to be part of history.
“We have been rehearsing traditional dances and songs. This is not just a celebration, it is our opportunity to showcase who we are,” he said.
A primary school teacher at Gokwe Centre, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said there was a real buzz in the community.
“Vendors are preparing their wares and people are cleaning up. It is not just a day but a spark of hope,” said the teacher.
Mr Joram Mupfurutsa, a farmer in Chireya, said for years, “we felt forgotten, like we didn’t matter. Now the whole country will see what Gokwe is made of. We are proud to host this historic event”.
Business owners are equally upbeat, with Mrs Maidei Mhlanga, expecting brisk business.
“We are stocking up on drinks, food and airtime because we know people will be out in numbers. It is our time to make money,” she said.
Mr Trymore Mugogodera who operates a canteen was also expecting to cash on the two events.
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