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Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
Celebrated multi-award-winning jazz maestro, Jeys Marabini, has praised the Government’s decision to host national celebrations in remote areas, saying that such initiatives foster unity among Zimbabweans.

This follows the Government’s announcement that this year’s Independence Day celebrations will take place at Nembudziya Growth Point in Gokwe North, Midlands Province, on April 18. Last year’s celebrations were held in Murambinda, Buhera District, Manicaland.

Jeys Marabini

Running under the theme “Zim@ 45: Devolve and Develop Together towards Vision 2030,” this year’s celebrations are poised to attract 60 000 people drawn from the 10 provinces of Zimbabwe.

As part of the celebrations, a musical gala will be held at Nembudziya Government High School on the eve of April 18, with a number of celebrated artistes and other local dance groups around Gokwe set to take to the stage.

The gala is expected to transcend cultural, social and generational divides, bringing people together in shared experiences of joy and celebration as they dance through the night to music by gallant sons and daughters of Zimbabwe.

Jeys Marabini, a regular performer at national galas, highlighted that over the years, these events have become key cultural gatherings that unite people from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. He applauded the Government for shifting the focus of national events from capital cities to remote areas like Gokwe, highlighting that this move fosters a sense of belonging for people in rural areas, allowing them to experience the true meaning of Independence.

“People from remote areas lack entertainment, they have always seen glamorous things happening in big cities only. The move by the Government to take national events and stage them in rural areas like this year’s Independence celebrations in Gokwe is a great move.

“By doing so, people in Gokwe will have a chance to see their favourite musicians whom they always hear on radio, live. This move also promotes a sense of belonging to the nation as they will feel equally important like other folks in urban areas,” Marabini said.

“Some people who have never witnessed such celebrations will now get a clear understanding of what Independence truly means to all of us. Everyone — from all walks of life, including the President, Members of Parliament, soccer teams entertaining the crowds and us, the artistes — will be there in Gokwe for a common cause.”

The Ezinangeni hit-maker urged all Zimbabweans to travel to Gokwe and celebrate with the local community, acknowledging their significant contribution to the nation’s growth.

“People in Gokwe have sustained themselves and supported major cities with various agricultural products. This region boasts fertile soils and their farming activities have played a key role in boosting the country’s economy.

“These celebrations in Gokwe are a rare occasion, as future events will move to other areas. I encourage all Zimbabweans to come together and attend this important event, celebrating our pride and fostering unity,” said Marabini.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, has announced that preparations for this year’s Independence celebrations are well underway.

“Preparatory works are at an advanced stage and progressing well, with the construction of legacy projects in full swing. These include the Main Arena at Gokwe North Open Grounds, the Gala site at Nembudziya Government High School and the venue for the Children’s Party at Nyamuroro High School.

“The government has also taken steps to ensure the availability of clean, safe and adequate drinking water by drilling 110 boreholes across Gokwe North and South districts, with three boreholes specifically drilled at the venue sites,” said Dr Muswere.