The ManicaPost
Post Correspondents
MORE than 20 000 people from all walks of life on Tuesday packed Sakubva Stadium to the brim to mark the country’s 37th years of Independence.
Glitz and glamour characterised the celebrations with displays from the uniformed forces as well as drum majorettes among other entertainment activities keeping those in attendance captivated.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Cde Mandi Chimene read President Mugabe’s speech.
A musical gala was held on Independence eve with a galaxy of artistes, among them Mozambican Passada outfit, Pedra Angula, taking turns to entertain hundreds of people at Manicaland Showgrounds on Monday night.
The Mozambican delegation led by Governor for Manica Province, Cde Alberto Ricardo Mondlane as well as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Professor Francis Gudyanga and service chiefs were among notable people who were present.
Addressing the gathering, Cde Mondlane, said he felt honoured and special to be part of the celebrations.
“We have a wonderful relationship with our Zimbabwean counterparts. This day is not only for Zimbabweans, but our country. We fought for this independence together. Since independence we have seen tremendous developments. We need good life for our people. It is a special day because we are celebrating independence as well as achievements we have made to date,” he said.
The event curtained down with a thrilling soccer match pitting Prisons outfit, Tenax FC and Mutare City Rover where the former won 4-3 in penalties. The match had ended in a one-all stalemate.
Hundreds of people also converged at Gaza Stadium in Chipinge for the Uhuru celebrations.
The celebrations were graced by delegates from the Mozambican ruling party, Frelimo and neighbouring Mossourize District Administrator, Cde Isabella Jamisseh, Deputy Minister of Information Communication and Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Dr Win Mlambo and Chipinge Central Member of National Assembly, Cde Ray Machingura.
Chipinge District Administrator, Mr William Mashava read President Mugabe’s speech.
Local musicians and uniformed forces provided entertainment.
War veterans also joined their Mozambicans counterparts in singing liberation songs.
A soccer match pitting Chipinge Select and 3.3 Brigade wrapped up the day. The army side won and walked away with cash and a floating trophy.
In an interview, Cde Jamisseh congratulated Zimbabwe for attaining 37 years.
She hailed the country’s efforts in assisting Mozambican refugees who fled to Zimbabwe following political disturbances which rocked the country last year.
“On behalf of other Mozambicans I would like to congratulate all Zimbabweans for attaining 37 years. We are grateful to Government of Zimbabwe for maintaining a brother-and-sister relationship with us since the colonial era.
“We also urge our counterparts here to always visit each other and create a bond so that we can collectively solve some of the problems affecting our people especially those who are residing in the buffer zone regions,” she added.
