The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi
Post Reporter
ANY birthday – that momentous occasion when we celebrate turning a year older – is a significant event in everyone’s life.
For Zimbabweans, April 18 holds a special place in the depths of their hearts; for they celebrate the birth of their motherland.
And on Tuesday, the nation celebrated 43 years of independence from oppressive colonial rule.
The day was marked by commemorative festivities across the country, with the main celebrations being held in Mt Darwin and officiated by President Mnangagwa.
In Manicaland, the venue for the provincial celebrations was Sakubva Stadium in Mutare.
On a sun kissed and bright day, the weather was just fine and optimal for outdoor activity.
Even the sun was beaming with a smile as if nodding in approval of proceedings at the soccer cathedral.
People from different walks of life started trickling into the venue as early as 7am and by midday, the venue had recorded a full house.
Some were still milling outside.
Yet even more continued coming in their droves.
After all, who would not have cherished being part of the spectacle during a time when the Second Republic is preaching the gospel of leaving no one and no place behind!
This year’s Independence Day celebrations ran under the aptly-titled theme ‘Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo/Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo’.
This year’s theme for the Uhuru commemorations seek to highlight the huge milestones the country continues to score.
Under President Mnangagwa, Government has implemented over 7 000 high impact and life-changing projects meant to lift people out of poverty and improve their quality of life in line with Vision 2030, which is underpinned by the National Development Strategy (NDS1).
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Nokuthula Matsikenyere, delivered the President’s speech.
Hon Matsikenyere had earlier on, in the company of service chiefs and parade commanders, inspected the guard of honour mounted by regiments comprising members of the uniformed services.
The momentous event was graced by the Governor of Manica Province in Mozambique – Madame Francisca Domingos Tomas – who was the guest of honour.
She led a delegation from her country comprising senior government officials and members of the ruling party Frelimo.
Members of the uniformed forces mesmerised the crowd with their well-coordinated drills on Tuesday
Madame Tomas said attending Zimbabwe’s Independence Day celebrations was a sign of solidarity between the two neighbouring countries which share cordial relations dating back to the days of the liberation struggle.
“I would like to reaffirm our total commitment to continue to work on strengthening friendly relations based on the fluidity and simplicity of our interactions and the strengthening of the bonds of fraternity and brotherhood that exist between our populations,” she said.
The Sakubva carnival attracted stakeholders from different sectors, including the business community, traditional leadership, churches, war veterans, war collaborators, affiliate groups, local authority officials and politicians.
Among the general populace were the young and old, as well as men and women who came out in their numbers to be part of celebrations marking a monumental occasion in the country’s history.
The multitudes were never starved of merriment as churches, schools’ traditional dance groups and poets took turns to entertain them through various activities.
Of particular interest was how the uniformed forces turned themselves into a crowd favourite with their well-choreographed drills.
They proved that they are not all about handcuffs, rifles and jail bars as the members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe National Army and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services demonstrated an entertaining side that is not seen every day and is often reserved for special occasions like the Uhuru commemorations.
The appreciative gathering on the terraces literally ate from their palms as they dished out captivating displays.
The Zion Christian Church (ZCC) and the Jekenisheni Church must also have won several converts to their respective denominations as they were on top of their game, with performances for the archives.
First to take to the floor were members of the Jekenisheni Church, whose heart-pounding drums reverberated throughout the venue and beyond.
Their swivelling dances also won them admirers.
Not to be outdone, ZCC members also brought their A-game.
Their hyper energetic and earth-thudding moves were received with ululations and whistles of approval from the terraces.
Sport also spiced up the event.
Two soccer matches put the icing on the cake as women’s football outfits Faith Drive and Mutare City Rovers exhibited sublime skills in a match that went the former’s way 2-0.
ZIFA Eastern Region Division One cross-town rivals Buffaloes and Tenax were also in action.
However, the match failed to produce a winner as the army outfit and prisons wardens side settled for a goalless stalemate.
The two teams shared the spoils of the US$200 that was put on stake by a well-wisher.
Several people who spoke to The Manica Post on the sidelines of the commemorations said the gallant sons and daughters of the soil made the supreme sacrifice to liberate this country, with some paying with their lives.
Ms Rudo Matende of Kutenda KweVapostori Apostolic Church said she deeply cherishes Zimbabwe’s independence as it brought unfettered freedom of worship.
“Without independence, there would be restrictions in worshipping. As such, indigenous churches like ours would not have been established as the settlers wanted to control everything, even our worshipping,” she said.
For youthful Mutasa farmer, Mr Cleopas Samanga, Zimbabwe’s emancipation from the yoke of bondage brought new opportunities for previously marginalised black people.
Members of the Jekenisheni church entertain the thousands of people who gathered aat Sakubva Stadium for the Independence Day Manicaland provincial celebrations
He said after a protracted liberation struggle, the land redistribution exercise addressed the colonial injustices of land imbalances.
A proud recipient of the land, Mr Samanga is now a productive farmer in crop and animal production.
“The land l got is one of the several benefits of Uhuru. Land is a primary means of production and we have to effectively utilise it as agriculture is the backbone of our country’s economy. With land now in the hands of the previously marginalised locals, we can feed ourselves and even produce surplus for exports.
“As farmers, we are answering President Mnangagwa’s clarion call to ensure food and nutrition security, as well as achieve self-sufficiency. Farming is a serious business. If run sustainably, it can greatly improve household and community livelihoods. The Government should be applauded for the mechanisation drive as we go for growth in agriculture,” said Mr Samanga.
Ms Reyayi Mudede, who operates a hardware in Chimanimani, said independence opened up new avenues and broadened the horizons of local business players who are now contributing to economic growth.
“I keenly listened to the President Mnangagwa’s speech which was read by Minister Matsikenyeri and was really delighted that he acknowledged our contribution in the economy. With continued support and increased funding, our impact will be immense. These are all the fruits of the independence we are celebrating today,” she said.
Ms Mudede added that after gaining independence in 1980, the country is on the path to achieving economic emancipation.
A Mozambican national who came to settle in the country in the early 1990s, Mr Diva Madoda, said he has always attended Zimbabwe’s Uhuru celebrations at Sakubva Stadium over the years.
“I have lived here in Sakubva since I came to Zimbabwe in 1993. I feel at home. Peace is always prevailing and the people of this country have shown me nothing but love and respect. The hospitality of Zimbabweans is unmatched. This is why I join the celebrations every year,” said Mr Madoda.
Three-year-old Nomalanga Chitora chipped in: “I am here with my family to celebrate the birthday of my country.” She said she thoroughly enjoyed the day, especially the uniformed forces’ displays.
In the end, it was a birthday worth celebrating and a day well spent for those who attended.
What a proud moment to be Zimbabwean!
