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Russian President Vladimir Putin

Herald Reporter
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a congratulatory message to President Mugabe on the occasion of Zimbabwe’s 35th Independence anniversary today. “Please accept my sincere congratulations on the 35th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Zimbabwe,” said President Putin. “I am confident that the friendly relations between Russia and Zimbabwe will further actively develop for the benefit of our peoples, in the interests of consolidating stability and security in the African continent.

“I wish you good health and every success, as well as happiness and prosperity to all your compatriots.”

People from all walks of life will today converge at different venues throughout the country for the independence celebrations, with the main celebrations being at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.

The event in Harare will run concurrently with similar activities at various centres in the country’s 10 provinces.

Ministers of Provincial Affairs will inspect the guard of honour at their venues before reading President Mugabe’s speech followed by displays.

According to the programme for the main event in Harare released last night, gates at the National Sports Stadium will open at 7am for the public.

Invited guests are expected to start arriving at 10am, while dignitaries would arrive after 10:30am in the usual order.

Harare mayor Bernard Manyenyeni will arrive first, followed by the service chiefs, Members of Parliament and members of the diplomatic corps.

They will be followed by judges of the High Court and Supreme Court, Prosecutor-General Prince Machaya and Attorney-General Johannes Tomana and government ministers.

Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku will arrive at 10:58am followed by the two Vice Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Pelekezela Mphoko and their spouses before President Mugabe and the First Lady Cde Grace Mugabe arrive.

President Mugabe will then take salutes from Zimbabwe Defence Forces before inspecting the guard of honour and delivering the keynote address.

There will be displays from members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the police, before an Independence Day Cup Final between popular Premier Soccer League sides Dynamos and FC Platinum.