The ManicaPost
Samuel Kadungure
Senior Reporter
MANICALAND Province is ready to host 2024 Independence Anniversary Celebrations and Children’s Party in Murambinda, Buhera, as the provincial Uhuru torch relay commences today (Friday), with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga lighting the flame at Magamba District Heroes’ Acre (The Butcher) in Rusape.
The flame will leave Rusape for Nyanga, then Mutasa (Matumba Six Shrine), Mutare Provincial Heroes’ Acre, Chimanimani, Chipinge and finally the host district of Buhera.
In a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said Vice President Kembo Mohadi will receive the flame at the former Dzapasi Assembly Point next Wednesday, following which torch-bearers will take it to the main venue on April 18, where President Mnangagwa will address the nation on the 44th Independence Day celebrations.
Former freedom fighters who assembled at Dzapasi in 1979 are expected to converge there on April 17 to witness the arrival of the flame.
“The Honourable Vice President Chiwenga will officiate at the lighting of the Flame at Magamba District Heroes’ Acre in Rusape. From Magamba District Heroes’ Acre, the Independence Flame will be taken to Nyanga, Mutasa (Matumba Six Shrine), Mutare Provincial Heroes’ Acre, Chimanimani, Chipinge and Buhera.
“The Flame is expected at Dzapasi on April 17, 2024 where it will be received by the Honourable Vice President Mohadi.
“The nation is informed that preparations for the 2024 Children’s Party are also at an advanced stage, and the event will take place as scheduled on April 17, 2024 at Murambinda A Primary School.
“His Excellency, President Mnangagwa and the First Lady, Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa will host the children on the day. Training for mass displays commenced on March 11, 2024, with learners drawn from Murambinda A and B primary schools. The Simba Bhora and Manica Diamonds soccer match has been confirmed as part of the afternoon programme after the Children’s Party,” he said.
Dr Muswere also gave an update on projects being implemented at the three schools surrounding the venue — Murambinda A and B primary schools, and Murambinda B High School — Dzapasi and Castle Kopje/Magamba Heroes’ Acre in Rusape as well as the rehabilitation and maintenance of the road network leading to the venue.
“The grading and gravelling of the Murambinda-Birchenough Bridge Road is nearing completion. Three maintenance teams are working on the Chivhu-Nyazura Road, with gravel patching having been completed. In addition, other small access roads have also been rehabilitated in order to leave no one and no place behind. Fifty-seven (57) boreholes have been drilled in Buhera, out of the targeted 50 and a total of 24 Village Business Units have been established,” said Dr Muswere.
He said two hectares earmarked for an orchard have been ploughed, with planting of 600 fruit trees set to commence once the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) reticulates water to the site.
Dr Muswere said his ministry will erect billboards at high traffic points, and has already installed an outdoor screen at Chiurwi Secondary School, which is within the vicinity of the former Dzapasi Assembly Point to enable the community to follow proceedings on Independence Day.
The ministry will also screen bioscopes from April 11 to 17 to remind communities in Mudanda, Mutasa, Gaza and Dorowa on the importance of independence.
About 20 artistes, including some from Manicaland, have been lined up to perform at the Independence Gala preceding the main event.
Vice President Mohadi toured the venue last Friday together with a high-powered ministerial delegation, and applauded the meticulous planning and dedication exhibited by the organising committee.
He expressed gratitude to the local community for their support and enthusiasm in ensuring the successful hosting of the event.
Vice President Mohadi implored the people of Manicaland to attend the event in their numbers, saying Government will provide 150 buses to ferry people from the province’s seven districts to the venue.
“We have received assurance from the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution (Advocate Misheck Mugadza) that 70 000 plus people from Manicaland will attend the event, and as Government we have given him 150 buses but, of course he is saying they are few, and wants more buses to bring those people here. You need to prove him right or wrong,” he said.
Minister Mugadza encouraged all stakeholders across the province to work together and mobilise people ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.
He said they are expecting at least 70 000 people to attend this year’s prestigious event, highlighting the significance of honouring the country’s independence and celebrating the strides made in provincial and national development.
He further called for heightened security measures and efficient logistical arrangements to guarantee a smooth and memorable event for all attendees.
“Everything is on course, and as Manicaland we are now left with mobilising the people. We are looking forward to hosting 70 000 people from the province’s seven districts. Everybody cannot wait for the big day. We will go around the seven districts with the Independence Flame.
“The people of Manicaland are ready to celebrate this day, given its significance to the province. A lot of things happened in the province during the liberation war because of its proximity to Mozambique. We have more children than any other province who participated in the liberation war,” said Minister Mugadza.
