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Midlands Bureau Chief 

THE Midlands province yesterday celebrated this year’s Independence Day in style in the mining town of Kwekwe, the first time ever to host such an event outside the provincial capital Gweru.

Coming at a time when the province has recorded huge development milestones under the Second Republic covering different sectors, the 44th independence anniversary celebration was a toast of progress for the people who gathered at Mbizo Stadium in Kwekwe.

Excitement and joy dominated the day as thousands of people flocked in to witness this year’s independence activities and listen to President Mnangagwa’s speech.

The Midlands continues to record development strides inspired by the bold and strategic policy decisions under President Mnangagwa’s leadership,

According to ZimStat, the Midlands had the fastest Gross Domestic Product growth of 10,9 percent in 2022 underpinned by mining, agriculture and manufacturing.

The giant US$1,5 billion Dinson Iron and Steel Plant remains a legacy investment endorsing the transformative policy direction to open up the economy to both domestic and foreign direct investment.

Important investments along the mineral-rich Great Dyke stretching from Kwekwe to Mberengwa via Zvishavane, have also given a strong drive to the Midlands provincial GDP growth projections for 2024 and beyond.

The livelihoods of both rural and urban communities have improved through the construction of schools, clinics, roads, water infrastructure and purchase of road and refuse collection equipment by most local authorities through President Mnangagwa’s leadership.

Fire tenders have also been availed to local authorities as well as air search and rescue ambulances that have strengthened civil protection efforts to save lives and property from disasters.

Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, arrived at the venue at 11am before inspecting the guard of honour mounted by the country’s uniformed forces.

He went on to read the President’s speech, which was followed by entertainment from different artistes and traditional dancers much to the delight of the thousands of people attending the celebrations.

“We’re very grateful to our fallen heroes who brought about the Independence Day we are celebrating today. We are now proud owners of our land and mines, which came out of a sacrifice for us to be free,” said one of the locals, Mrs Amanda Takaendesa.

Mr Matthew Moyo, a young businessman from Zhombe, said independence has brought pride to the black child. 

“We are indeed a free nation through the sacrifices of our gallant sons and daughters. It’s a huge milestone indeed,” he said.

Meanwhile, on the eve of Independence Day, Minister Ncube hosted the minister’s ball at King Solomon Hotel in Kwekwe where the business community made contributions towards the less privileged.

“Our destiny and character are shaped by the fallen heroes and the Munhumutapa Empire. Our President is carrying that legacy through huge milestones being implemented by the Second Republic,” said Minister Ncube. “We are a proud nation with huge resources that have helped us fight the illegal sanctions imposed by the west.”

Dr Solomon Matsa who owns King Solomon Hotel said it was a well spent evening where the underprivileged children were the centre of attraction.

“With President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind, I am proud that we had the Children’s Party and funds were raised that will benefit the less privileged ones,” he said. 

This year’s independence celebrations are being held when the country is enjoying several strides made by the Second Republic in ensuring that the country attains an upper middle income society by 2030.