This is the only country we call home

Source: This is the only country we call home – herald

President Mnangagwa

We reproduce in full President Mnangagwa’s speech delivered on the occasion of Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence Day commemorations yesterday in Maphisa, Matabeleland South province.

**********

Salutations.

Today marks another historic milestone as we celebrate our 46th independence anniversary under the theme “Zimbabwe@46: Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030”.

I extend greetings to my fellow countrymen, women, boys and girls physically gathered here and at numerous centres across our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe, and those following the ceremony from the diaspora.

I say to you all, Happy 46th Independence Day.

Congratulations, Amhlophe, Makorokoto, Mapwanya; Ndi a vhuyelela; twakabomba, twakatandabala.

Comrades and friends, Matabeleland South province is of sacred significance in the history of our country. Many areas saw brutal, protracted and indeed defining encounters, such as the Ratanyana Battleground and war monument, where ZIPRA liberation war fighters fought the racist Rhodesian troops.

Along with Zezani, Manama, Minda and Thekwane missions, these zones stand as haunting and yet heroic reminders of the cruelty suffered by our people.

The landscapes of Matabeleland South, mission halls and many schools tell of a rich past.

They continue to be symbols of unity, pronouncing to present and future generations the enduring truth that the struggle for independence was executed by all Zimbabweans, who transcended ethnic and regional lines.

Their courage, resilience and fortitude saw us realise the independence, freedom and democracy we enjoy today.

We shall forever honour and salute them.

Matobo and other districts in Matabeleland South province gave birth to many distinguished sons and daughters of the soil, who dedicated their entire lives to the liberation and independence of Zimbabwe.

The towering Father Zimbabwe, uMdala Wethu, “Chibwe Chitedza”, the late Vice President, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo, and uMama Mafuyana; together with other late national heroes such as Comrades Alfred Nikita Mangena, Lookout Masuku, George “TG” Silundika, Steven Jeqe Nkomo and Simon Khaya Moyo, among many others, hailed from this province. Their patriotism and selfless sacrifice for our motherland, Zimbabwe, remain a source of inspiration to us all.

Tinokutendai, Siyalibonga Matabeleland South province, for giving our nation many gallant heroes and heroines who helped to liberate our land from colonial bondage.

Today, we own and produce from the land they fought to reclaim after nearly a century of colonial subjugation.

We salute all our veterans of the liberation struggle for their heroic acts, bravery, courage and commitment to the birth of a liberated and united nation, singing one national anthem, under one national flag.

From Plumtree to Mutare and from Beitbridge to Chirundu, Ilizwe ngelethu, nyika ndeyedu.

While some freedom fighters lived to see the fruits of their sacrifices, others were not so fortunate. Our nation shall always remember and cherish their contribution.

Commendable economic growth

Fellow Zimbabweans, the economy has registered commendable growth anchored in a stable macro-economic environment.

Foreign currency reserves now stand at more than US$1,2 billion on the strength of a favourable gold sector.

Following a raft of reforms, our country achieved a single-digit annual inflation rate of 4,1 percent in January 2026, thereby anchoring long-term stability of our ZiG currency.

The exchange rate stability benefitted from increased foreign currency inflows, which exceeded US$16 billion, mainly due to rising exports of gold, tobacco, platinum group of metals and diaspora remittances.

Baya-thu-me-za imali, abantwana bethu aba-phe-tshe-ya, siyababonga.

Vari kutumira mari, vana vedu, vari kunze kwenyika, tinovatenda.

With regards the ease of doing business and enhancing Zimbabwe as a favourable investment destination, the review of taxes, fees and levies has been effected across critical sectors of the economy.

I commend our banking sector for reverting back to their core business.

However, more must be done to ensure full financial inclusivity.

This year’s celebrations are being held in the midst of yet another successful agricultural season.

The 2024/2025 summer season produced 2,4 million tonnes of maize and close to 635 000 tonnes of traditional grains, exceeding the national annual grain requirement.

Similarly, the 2025 winter wheat harvest surpassed 640 000 tonnes, against a national requirement of 550 000 tonnes.

This achievement underscores the impact of the wheat-based food security strategy.

The Strategic Grain Reserve continues to guarantee the country’s national food security and sovereignty.

Modern artificial intelligence-enabled grain silos are under construction in Bindura, Gokwe, Guruve, Kwekwe, Lupane, Macheke, Marondera, Masvingo, Mhangura, Mutare, Mvurwi, Plumtree, Raffingora and Rutenga.

This trend demonstrates that Zimbabweans are a great and productive farming nation.

Amhlophe. Mokorokoto.

Government is scoring unprecedented progress with regards to climate-proofing our agriculture sector through delinking food production from rainfall dependency. Regrettably, some areas continue to experience climate change-induced flooding and mid-season droughts which negatively affect yields.

As per tradition, measures are in place, including the Isiphala seNkosi/Zunde raMambo, to avail food assistance to affected communities and households.

No one and no region will starve.

Going forward, under the Second Republic, the agriculture sector is becoming a net exporter of value-added produce.

The sector will further diversify, grow the country’s industrial base and enhance global competitiveness towards increased foreign currency inflows as well as sustainable levels of earnings for our farmers.

Together, as a united, hardworking and focused people, we are achieving Vision 2030 for a prosperous, modern and industrialised Zimbabwe we all want.

Fellow Zimbabweans, Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, li-khu-le-ke-lwe ngabanikazi balo/Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/Hango inobakiwa kakale inotembe- zele-gwa nebeni bayo/Shango likho-robhe-lelwa lapfhatiwa ngabane balo/Tiko ri-akiwa havinyi varona/iNyika inobakwa nabeni bayo/iChisi chiyakwa beni bacho.

The Rural Development 8.0 model that includes the village business units and schools’ agriculture business units are transforming rural livelihoods, leaving no one and no place behind. These are also improving household incomes and the overall quality of life of our people, while accelerating rural industrialisation and sustainable agriculture value chains.

The Presidential Household Tick Grease Management Scheme has positively impacted the control of the January disease and reduced cattle deaths by over 60 percent.

Our nation is determined to attain vaccine self-sufficiency to sustain the viability of the livestock sector and promote downstream enterprises, such as the leather industry.

Zimbabwe remains Africa’s largest producer of the golden leaf.

Tobacco production reached record-breaking levels in the 2024/2025 season, achieving 355 million kilogrammes and generating over US$1,2 billion in earnings. New participants continue to benefit from the progressive policies implemented by my Government.

It is pleasing that tobacco was grown in non-traditional areas, including Matabeleland North and Midlands provinces.

Horticulture exports now exceed US$140 million, driven by blueberries, macadamia nuts, citrus and avocado.

I commend Matabeleland South province and other provinces throughout the country for this success milestone.

Policy and technical support will be broadened to further grow this sector.

Meanwhile, Government has intensified research, development and innovation towards agriculture modernisation and mechanisation.

Full potential from minerals

Since the advent of the Second Republic, the mining sector has posted exceptional growth and is projected to reach 6,3 percent in 2026.

Government resolved to unlock the full potential of Zimbabwe’s rich mineral endowment for the benefit of all citizens.

Measures, which include the controlled export of raw minerals, will now see increased local value addition and beneficiation.

So far, Prospect Zimbabwe Limited in Mashonaland East province is set to commission its lithium sulphate plant.

Lithium mining companies in Gwanda, Bikita and Kamativi are also establishing beneficiation plants.

As we celebrate 46 years of independence, the vision towards restoring, modernising and upgrading our national infrastructure is ongoing.

The opening up of economic development corridors to build local capacities and create more employment opportunities are on course.

Roads are an economy.

As such, road construction, routine rehabilitation and maintenance have been rolled out following the aftermath of flooding and associated destruction of our road network.

In view of the dire state of bridges throughout the country, a specialised unit will be set up to specifically attend to bridges.

The completion of the Beitbridge-Masvingo-Harare highway; rehabilitation and upgrading of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo and Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road; construction of the Harare-Chirundu road; construction of traffic interchanges; and upgrading of our border posts, will be accelerated.

In line with our quest and responsibility to enhance regional integration, my Government has taken concrete steps to upgrade the country’s border management systems.

A notable milestone under this initiative has been the installation of e-gates at the Beitbridge Border Post, in Matabeleland South province.

This allows for faster, convenient and automated clearance of travellers, reducing congestion and facilitating efficient regional trade.

The Rural Electrification Programme, dam construction, rehabilitation and de-siltation programme, together with the Presidential Borehole Drilling and Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme, are receiving additional Treasury financing.

Unprecedented accomplishments in tourism

The tourism sector continues to realise unprecedented accomplishments.

In 2025, the industry recorded a remarkable 10 percent annual growth, generating US$1,3 billion in receipts and attracting US$194 million in investments, including in the scenic Matobo Hills, as well as at Mosi-oa-Tunya, Great Zimbabwe and the Eastern Highlands.

Deliberate focus will be made to grow the hospitality and tourism sector along the Zambezi Valley, particularly Kariba and Binga.

On the global stage, Zimbabwe was recognised by Forbes magazine as the world’s best country to visit in 2025.

That award, among others, together with new products such as gastronomy tourism, reaffirms the strength of “Brand Zimbabwe”.

Fellow Zimbabweans, Government is accelerating the absorption of graduates of the National Youth Service into the public sector.

Technical as well as vocational education and skills training are being scaled up as a critical pathway for youth empowerment and development. To this end, the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Vocational Training and youth service training centres are being constructed at Nyongolo village, here in Matobo district.

As Government, we are aware that among other rural provinces, Matabeleland South province is notably enduring high numbers of cross-border migration across all age groups.

To reverse the trend, deliberate empowerment initiatives, including village business units, such as the Sekusile Makorokoro Business Unit, will continue to be established to improve household incomes and livelihoods.

I want to commend small and medium size enterprises, particularly women and youth-led businesses, for their contribution to national employment and the economy as a whole.

The fight against drug and substance abuse needs the participation of all of us.

I appeal to communities and families to support current rehabilitation and integration efforts, including education and awareness programmes, for the affected young people.

To guarantee equitable opportunities for our children, we must deliberately redress biases and stereotypes to create an environment where both boys and girls excel in all aspects of education and social endeavours. It is pleasing that more students are now studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

The National Action Plan for Children will improve access to inclusive basic social services, such as education and health, as well as ending violence against children.

Turning to the health sector, my administration is committed to the establishment of modern and well-stocked health facilities throughout the country.

Here in Matobo district, the refurbishment of Maphisa District Hospital, Kezi Rural Hospital and procurement of diagnostic machines are set to improve access to quality healthcare services for surrounding communities.

Further, Government continues to prioritise the delivery of specialised medical services.

We are developing a stronger health workforce through the recruitment, training and retention of skilled personnel.

The reopening of the Primary Care Nurse Training School at Maphisa District Hospital is being speeded up.

On the housing front, I applaud stakeholders in the real estate sector for achievements we have made under the National Development Strategy, where over 800 000 housing units were availed by both public and private sector players.

The devolution and decentralisation agenda and the Minimum Service Delivery Standards are a cornerstone for all our local authorities with regards executing their functions.

We are establishing functional, inclusive and resilient human settlements in both resettlement and communal areas.

All resettlement areas will now be under the authority of traditional leaders, through the resuscitation or upgrading of chieftainships that were abolished or downgraded by the racist colonial settler regimes.

The liberation struggle was waged so that we attain full economic emancipation, inclusive of ownership of the means of production.

In this regard, the Presidential Title Deeds and Regularisation of Settlements Programme as well as the Farm Title Deeds Programme are progressing well.

Fellow Zimbabweans, the widening of broadcasting services is an important pillar for keeping our citizens informed, educated and entertained.

In Matabeleland South province, the installation of the Radio Zimbabwe FM transmitter in Plumtree is a welcome and long overdue development.

Additionally, an FM transmitter is now beaming signals across Matabeleland North province.

The Bayethe Community Radio Station, covering Maphisa and surrounding areas, was licensed and capacitated.

Community and campus radio licences have been awarded, thereby assuring the public of timely, accurate and locally relevant information.

Significant strides are being made towards ensuring that our 46 years of independence are in tandem with technological advancements.

Robust and forward-looking innovation and industrial ecosystems are evident across the economy.

These incorporate transformational science and technology projects as well as research and development initiatives.

We are enjoying products out of the innovation hubs dotted across the country.

Responsible use of social media

My Government launched the Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, marking a critical step in the country’s efforts to integrate advanced, emerging technologies into key sectors of the economy.

Policies and mechanisms to guarantee ethical and responsible use of ICTs (information and communication technologies) and various media platforms are being accordingly reviewed. I note with grave concern the increasing abuse of social media by some unscrupulous persons and groups.

The recording of road traffic accidents and the subsequent distribution of such material is totally unacceptable, inhumane and against the values of Ubuntu.

My administration will, without apology, protect our citizens, especially children, as well as our culture, beliefs and way of life from the hazards of media and new technologies.

As we celebrate our freedom and independence, the welfare of veterans of the liberation struggle is a key priority.

We are not going back on our quest to accord due dignity to our liberators.

Programmes towards uplifting their living standards are underway.

Projects to revamp and commission sacred liberation sites, not only here at home, but also in Angola, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia are being resourced.

My Government will continue to ensure that Zimbabwe’s rich heritage is freed from hostage in Western museums, public spaces and private galleries.

The cultural heritage of Zimbabwe belongs to the people of our beloved motherland.

We celebrate the recent repatriation of the Zimbabwe soapstone bird, the Chapungu, along with other ancestral human remains previously held in South Africa.

These are part of our shared identity and their return to our motherland provides closure and cultural restoration.

We are grateful to the government and people of the Republic of South Africa for facilitating this act of restitutive justice.

We salute and honour the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for their steadfast protection of our territorial integrity.

Siyabonga mabutho elizwe.

Tinotenda mauto enyika.

Fellow Zimbabweans, our vision to attain an upper middle-income society is now five years away.

It is, therefore, urgent and critically important that our people be serviced by public sector officials who are devoted, patriotic, loyal, professional and agile for impactful results and the speedy implementation of people-centred projects.

Government is strengthening the Integrated Results-Based Management System, underpinned by performance contracting.

The cocktail of reform measures will result in timely service delivery within Government institutions, in line with people and market needs.

A comprehensive remuneration framework for civil servants is now in place, while an all-inclusive retirement planning programme was introduced.

This will adequately prepare public sector workers for dignified retirement.

With regards the broader labour market concerns, the recently adopted National Formalisation Strategy should promote decent work, strengthen labour law compliance and enhance the protection of workers operating outside the formal economic system.

On the international relations domain, Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none.

Our country is deepening and broadening relations with other jurisdictions, across Africa, Asia, Middle East, Europe and the Americas, as well as the recent addition of the Caribbean and Pacific Island states.

In October 2026, Zimbabwe will be honoured to host the COMESA Summit and assume the chairmanship of that august regional organisation.

I am confident that Zimbabweans will display the usual exceptional hospitality.

Engagements are progressing well in our campaign for election for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027 to 2028 term.

In concluding, I wish to commend all the people of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.

Province by province, district by district, you are uplifting our country, the economy and our communities.

Your hard work, resourcefulness, entrepreneurship and resilience are paying off.

Throughout the country, we are demonstrating a high sense of duty and responsibility in the best interest of our nation.

Let us continue to defend, safeguard and preserve this hard-won freedom and independence.

This is the only country we call home, given to us by the Almighty God.

No one else will build our country Zimbabwe for us.

That duty lies with us all.

Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhu-le-ke-lwe ngabanikazi balo/Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo.

Zimbabwe is a mature, people-centred democracy and sovereign nation.

As we commemorate our 46th independence celebrations, we once again reaffirm that we are one united people.

Si-nga-bantu banye. Simunye, Si-ba-mbe-ne. Tiri vanhu vamwe chete. Takabatana.

We are patriotic and loyal to our motherland, Zimbabwe.

From Plumtree to Mutare; from Beitbridge to Chirundu, we shall be persistently vigilant and on guard to protect and defend this independence, which was paid for by the sacred blood of many sons and daughters of the soil.

Thank you, Matabeleland South province; thank you, Matobo district; thank you, Maphisa, for receiving the nation here on these sacred lands as we celebrate our independence.

Thank you for turning out in your large numbers.

Siyalibonga, Si-li-tsha-ye-la ihlombe.

Tinokutendai, tinokukorokotedzai. Magona. Amhlophe.

With these remarks, it is now my honour and privilege to wish all Zimbabweans here at home and those in the diaspora a happy and memorable 46th independence anniversary.

Long live our unity and peace.

Long live our independence.

Long live our freedom.

Long live our Zimbabwe.

Congratulations, Makorokoto, Amhlophe Zimbabwe.

God bless you all. God bless Zimbabwe. I thank you.