Source: The Herald – Breaking news.
National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe regional director Mr Lovemore Mandima (left) chats with Northern region director Godhi Bvocho at the lighting of Independence torch and send off to the Midlands Province in Harare yesterday. — Picture: Memory Mangombe. 
Richard Muponde-Zimpapers Politics Hub
The Independence Flame was officially lit yesterday and has been transported to the Midlands Province for the launch of Independence Day celebrations.
The lighting ceremony took place at the Museum of Human Sciences in Harare, presided over by Mr Lovemore Mandima, the regional manager for the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) in the southern region.
He said today, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga will officiate at the flame’s official presentation to the Midlands Province, marking the official commencement of preparations for Independence Day on April 18.
The main celebrations will be held in Gokwe under the theme “Zim@45: Devolve and Develop Together towards Vision 2030”.
In an interview on the sidelines of the lighting ceremony, Mr Mandima said:“So, today (yesterday), the independence flame is moving from the capital city of Zimbabwe to the Midlands Province, where the launch of the 2025 independence commemorations shall be done tomorrow (today) by Vice President, Dr Constantino Chiwenga, at the historic Mutapa Hall.”
The flame was transported to the Midlands aboard a roadshow truck, accompanied by an escort convoy from NMMZ and the police.
From tomorrow, it will be paraded in several places in the Midlands Province, before it lands in Gokwe for the main commemorations on April 18.
“After the launch on the 10th of April tomorrow (today), the independence flame team shall then move around the whole Midlands Province. The first port of call shall be Mberengwa District at Mberengwa Centre. From there, on the same day, Friday the 11th, the flame shall move to Zvishavane town,” said Mr Mandima.
“So, after Zvishavane on the 12th, the flame shall move to Shurugwi District, and people shall gather at Chachacha Business Centre. From there, the flame shall move to Kwekwe District via Gweru District and in Kwekwe, people shall gather in Mbizo high-density on April 13.
“From Mbizo, the flame team shall move to Gokwe Centre, which is in Gokwe South on April 14. After Gokwe South, the team shall head to Gokwe North, to Chitekete, to Chireya (April 15), and Nembudziya (April 16). From Nembudziya, the team shall go down to Gokwe South, to Sikhombela detention camp,” he said.
Mr Mandima said on April 17 the flame will be relit at Sikhombela and then head to the venue of the Independence Day commemorations in Mutora village in Gokwe –Nembudziya.
“At Sikhombela detention camp, the flame shall be relit by the Vice President, Cde Kembo Mohadi, on April 17, and then from there, head northwards to where the main event shall be held on the 18th, to be officiated by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Dr E.D Mnangagwa on the 18th,” Mr Mandima said.
In a statement earlier this week, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage said “the Zimbabwe Independence Flame is an enduring symbol of the country’s struggle for freedom and its commitment to building a better future for all its citizens.”
The Ministry added:
“As the flame continues to blaze brightly, it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made 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. All Zimbabweans along the route are encouraged to come and witness the process in memory and celebration of our heroes and heroines.”
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