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Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
MORE than 300 youths and women from Gokwe District have been employed in various development projects being rolled out by the Government ahead of the hosting of the 45th Independence Day national celebrations on April 18 in Nembudziya.

The benefits to locals demonstrate that the decentralisation of independence celebrations has become more than just a change of venue, but also promotes local community participation in development programmes.

President Mnangagwa will lead the national Independence Day celebrations under the theme: “Zim@45: Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030.”

The convergence of national celebrations and infrastructural advancement is set to leave a lasting mark, with over 100,000 people expected to attend.

Leading up to the main celebrations, the Children’s Party, hosted by the First Family, is scheduled for April 17 at Nyamuroro High School, with the Independence Gala taking place at Nembudziya Government High School the same evening.

Over 3 000 child delegates will be accommodated at Nyamuroro High School from April 15 to 19.

Major infrastructure projects are progressing well at the principal event arena, the gala site, and the Children’s Party venue. The Government has so far drilled over 120 boreholes across Gokwe North and South, including at the event sites. The celebrations will feature the lighting of the Independence Flame, the traditional Torch Relay, and a variety of cultural performances by dance troupes and artists from Kwekwe, Gokwe, and other districts.

Football enthusiasts can look forward to matches between Simba Bhora and FC Platinum during the main celebrations, while Herentals Queens and Black Rhinos will play at the Children’s Party.

In previous years, Harare hosted the national festivities, but under the Second Republic, President Mnangagwa has directed that the commemorations be rotated across the different provinces, aligning with his administration’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind.

Rotating the celebrations ensures that all regions of the country benefit from the legacy projects associated with hosting the main event.

Zanu PF Midlands Provincial party chairperson Cde Edson Chiherenge said the momentous occasion is ushering in massive developmental projects for Gokwe Nembudziya and other areas.

Cde Edson Chiherenge

“There is massive development in Gokwe North District, which has resulted in the employment of over 300 youths and women. Remember, the Government is constructing two state-of-the-art boys’ and girls’ hostels at Nyamuroro Secondary School, the venue for the children’s party,” he said.

“Government is rehabilitating Nembudziya High School through erecting a new fence, a borehole, and other developments.”

Cde Chiherenge said new structures were being put in place at Nembudziya District Hospital, including a new mortuary and a new building for the nursing school.

“All these projects have brought about employment for the people of Gokwe, and we commend the Government for decentralising Independence Day celebrations as a lasting legacy for the local community,” he said.

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerayi Moyo, who toured Nyamuroro Primary School, which will host the children’s party over the weekend, said the decentralisation of independence celebrations has brought economic benefits to the local community, with youths and women being employed in various roles ahead of the event.

“After the disbursement of funds, we are seeing a lot of work being done at both venues. The school where the children’s party is being hosted is going to benefit a lot, as more hostels and ablution facilities are being built,” he said.

“We are happy for this development, and we have witnessed many people being employed.”
Minister Moyo said that through the decentralisation of national programmes, the Government is fostering economic and social development at the grassroots level.

“Government’s decentralisation policy of national programmes is not only bringing the national narrative to the doorstep of its diverse populace but has also become an empowerment tool benefiting youths and women. We commend the Second Republic for bringing this development to us,” he said.

Midlands Province construction officer, Mr Jemitious Vhovha, said preparations for the Children’s Party are on course, with officials pleased with the progress recorded to date.

“We are on course with the works here as we have a target to be finished by April 10, ahead of the Children’s Party on April 17. We have all the material we need, and the manpower is also available,” he said.

Meanwhile, locals have welcomed the move, praising the Second Republic for its inclusive development agenda.

“We have been given an opportunity to serve our country while getting money to look after our families,” said Ms Lorraine Ncube.

Another villager, Mr Andrew Machaya, expressed excitement over the transformation of Gokwe, saying they never thought it was possible to have such direct opportunities.

“Our area is being developed, and most importantly, we got employed,” he said.