Uhuru preps advanced

Source: The Herald – Breaking news.

 President Mnangagwa lights the Independence Flame during last year’s celebrations in Murambinda, Manicaland Province

Wallace Ruzvidzo, Herald Reporter

MORE than 60 000 people, drawn from all the country’s 10 provinces, are expected to gather at Gokwe Nembudziya Growth Point in the Midlands Province for Zimbabwe’s 45th Independence Day celebrations, which will be led by President Mnangagwa, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has said.

This year’s commemorations will be held under the theme, “Zim@ 45: Devolve and Develop Together towards Vision 2030”, and are being held in the Midlands Province in line with the Second Republic’s strategy of decentralising national events.

Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare yesterday, Dr Muswere said preparations were progressing well, with the construction of legacy projects in full swing at the Main Arena at Gokwe North Open Grounds, the gala site at Nembudziya Government High School, and the venue of the Children’s Party at Nyamuroro High School.

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 High School on the eve of April 18, 2025.

“Cabinet received an update on preparations for the 2025 Independence Day Celebrations and Children’s Party, as presented by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, in his capacity as Acting Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on State Occasions and National Monuments, Honourable Daniel Garwe.

“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 18th April 2025 at the Nembudziya Growth Point Open Ground Venue in Gokwe North,” Dr Muswere said.

The Government, he said, had taken steps to guarantee the supply of clean, safe and adequate drinking water as well as logistical modalities for delegates through the drilling of 110 boreholes in Gokwe North and South districts.

In addition, three boreholes have been drilled at the venue sites.

“Concerning the actual transportation of delegates to the venue sites, Government has mobilised more than 369 buses for equitable distribution throughout the country’s provinces,” Dr Muswere said.

Turning to the children’s party, the Minister said 3 050 child delegates would be hosted by the First Family at Nyamuroro High School on April 17.

“The child delegates will start arriving at Nyamuroro High School on 15 April 2025 and will depart on 19th April 2025,” Dr Muswere said.

Highlights of events leading to the celebrations include the customary Torch Relay and the lighting of the Independence Flame en-route to the main venue.

A multi-talented cast of artists and Dance Groups from Kwekwe, Gokwe and other districts will showcase their talents during the celebrations.

Simba Bhora and FC Platinum Football clubs, which emerged as the first and second positioned teams in the Premier League in 2024, will entertain the crowd during the main Independence Day Anniversary celebrations, while Herentals Queens and Black Rhinos Football Clubs will play during the 2025 Children’s Party celebrations.

Meanwhile, the decentralisation of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Business Expo has been approved by Cabinet.

“The Sanganayi/Hlanganani Expo 2025 will be held from 10 to 12 September 2025, in Mutare, Manicaland Province in line with the devolution principle and the development philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind,” Dr Muswere said.

“Going forward, the Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo will be held on a rotational basis across the 10 provinces. This will enhance the profiling and rebranding of the respective provinces for tourism, trade and investment promotion”.

Dr Muswere also briefed the media on Zimbabwe’s participation at the Expo 2025 Osaka to be held in Japan from April 13 to October 13.

He said plans were at an advanced stage with a 12-member delegation led by a Commissioner-General set to represent Zimbabwe at the high-profile international event.

“The highlights of the 6-month long Expo 2025 programme will include the Zimbabwe National Day to be graced by His Excellency President Cde Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa on 16 July 2025.

“The event will provide a platform to harness investment dividends and other collaborative opportunities, as the President will be engaging both international investors and the Diaspora community in Japan,” Dr Muswere said.