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Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub

TRADITIONAL leaders in Gokwe North District, Midlands Province have said they feel honoured by the decision made by the Second Republic to hold this year’s main independence celebrations in the district, saying the decision shatters Gokwe’s long-standing perception of neglect and signifies a profound recognition of its place within the nation.

Zimbabwe will celebrate its 45th independence anniversary at Nembudziya Growth Point in Gokwe North under the theme, “Zim@45: Devolve and Develop Together towards Vision 2030.”

The celebrations, expected to attract 60 000 people from all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe, are being held in line with the Second Republic’s thrust to rotate national events across the country’s provinces.

Chief Chireya expressed gratitude to the Second Republic for honouring the district with the opportunity to host these significant celebrations, stating that the legacy projects built for this event will bring lasting benefits to their district.

“Last Thursday, I was at Nembudziya Growth Point, and while monitoring the progress of preparations, I witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of hosting these celebrations. As a traditional leader from this district, I am deeply grateful to the Second Republic for honouring us with the opportunity to host these significant celebrations.

“I extend my sincere thanks to President Mnangagwa for this recognition. The legacy projects built for this event will bring lasting benefits to our district. For example, Nembudziya Government High School, the Gala site and Nyamuroro High School, the Children’s Party venue, have all seen substantial improvements. Classrooms have been refurbished, and reliable water supplies have been established through newly drilled boreholes,” said Chief Chireya.

The Government ensured a supply of clean, safe and adequate drinking water by drilling 110 boreholes in Gokwe North and Gokwe South districts, including three boreholes at the event sites.

“Importantly, Gokwe North now boasts a stadium, a direct result of these celebrations. We anticipate people from Kadoma, Kwekwe and beyond will come to utilise this facility. This development signifies a major step forward for our community,” added Chief chireya.

Chief Nemangwe concurred, stating preparations for Independence Day have brought development to the district.

“We are immensely pleased that the Government has honoured us by hosting this year’s Independence Day celebrations. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Mnangagwa. As you know, Gokwe has often been overlooked, but the Second Republic recognised our potential and chose to honour our district by hosting such a significant event on the national calendar.

“This decision has brought unprecedented attention and development to our community. The infrastructure development associated with the celebrations, such as the newly constructed stadium and the refurbishment of schools like Nembudziya Government High, has left a lasting legacy. Boreholes have been drilled, ensuring reliable water access and existing facilities have been significantly upgraded,” said Chief Nemangwe.

He said these developments are not temporary, they represent a fundamental shift in their district’s trajectory, providing resources and opportunities that will benefit generations to come.

“Gokwe is no longer being looked down upon, but is now a place of progress and pride,” said Chief Nemamgwe.

Another traditional leader, Chief Njelele, said citizens from the district were excited and eager to meet with the President, to engage directly with the Government and to voice their aspirations for the district’s future.

“Since 1980, I have never had the opportunity to attend the main national Independence Day celebrations.

“This will be my first time, primarily because these events were traditionally held exclusively in Harare, making travel difficult for us.

“However, with the advent of the Second Republic and its devolution policy, these celebrations are now being hosted in various provinces. Gokwe, as the fourth beneficiary, we are immensely grateful. We extend our sincere thanks to President Mnangagwa for this significant change.

“This is truly wonderful, as our district has lagged behind in terms of development, and this initiative is one of the most impactful from the Second Republic,” said Chief Njelele.

He added: “People are eager to meet with the President and voice their aspirations for the district’s future.

“Moreover, the hosting of this event has spurred significant development and infrastructure rehabilitation. We are seeing roads, clinics and schools being upgraded, directly benefitting our communities. This event is not just a celebration; it’s a catalyst for lasting development in our district.”

Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa has consistently stated that his Government recognises the importance of traditional leadership, as enshrined in the country’s Constitution.

Furthermore, in implementing devolution under the new dispensation, President Mnangagwa has repeatedly emphasised that traditional chiefs should assert their role and drive development within their jurisdictions.