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Updates by Costa Mano , Simiso Mlevu and Timothy Maponga

1441: The official proceedings have come to an end here and we conclude our updates. Thank you for joining us.

1253: Mass displays are now on show at the National Sports Stadium.

1241: The Parade Commander seeks and gets approval from President Mugabe to march the parade off. The parade begins to march off

1239: President Mugabe has  finished his address and the National Anthem is now being played.

1237: One of the greatest tributes we can pay to Zimbabwe is shun corruption, shun tribalism and nepotism…..because we are celebrating our anniversary, let’s take this as our people’s day of happiness and joy across the country. may i say to you happy birthday..long live Zimbabwe, long live our independence….I thank you,”

1235: “Government will continue to find ways of improving the welfare of civil servants..Government apologises for the late disbursements of bonuses, salaries and payments to pensioners. Payment for pensioners will be more predictable and on time..our security and defence forces have remained resolute in defending our sovereignty and security,”

1231: President Mugabe says his Government is determined to transforming political independence into the transformation of the economy.

1228: “The AfDB has been of great help to us..the sanction that have been imposed on  us by the US have been having their toll….in an effort to facilitate trade Government has placed efficient systems at the border points….To increase international trade Zimbabwe has been making parallel efforts by consolidating of export markets…fellow Zimbabweans, comrades and friends, in the sphere of foreign policy, Zimbabwe successfully chaired SADC and AU,”

1225: “Government has found a financier and contractor for Chirundu-Beitbridge road at a cost of $2 billion…the power situation has improved this year by increasing output at Hwange and importing from the Southern African power pool….we also have signed a loan with the bank which enables us to Munyati, Harare and Bulawayo power stations. In line with the promotion of renewable energies, Government has promoted a massive solar water heating programme and we have seen a bot if solar that has been installed on the Airport Road,”

1221: “There has been the formation of completely renew companies in the economy during the last few years…some of the revived companies include Olive Industries, Cotton Company of Zimbabwe and many more…new one include Pure Oil, Pro Feeds, Kefalos just to mention a few. The resuscitation, formation of these and such companies has helped us create new job s, create employment, enhancing fiscal space and increasing production,”

1218: “While our economy has been showing signs of growth and recovery, the country has sadly been hit by El Nino which has unleashed on us the worst drought in recent history..Government has take n steps to ensure food availability for our people…There will be an exercise of debt clearance as we reengage with the international community. in order to sustain the success of the land reform prog the Government is working with financial sector to guarantee the bankability of our 99 year leases,”

1214: President Mugabe says Zimbabwe is now a people fully enjoying the right to self determination and the country should not forget that the independence did not come on a silver platter.

1211: President Mugabe is now on the podium.

1211: He praises the President for his leadership of SADC and AU. Cde Kasukuwere invites the celebrations’ Guest of Honour, President Mugabe, to address the nation.

1205: The Host Minister Cde Saviour Kasukuwere has been invited to the podium by Information Minister Cde Christopher Mushowhe. He starts off by congratulating the President on the birth of his first grand child. He says Zimbabweans should take heed of the call to stand guard and protect the interests of Zimbabwe.

1202: Father Ribiero prays for the nation and concludes his sermon.

1200: “To the young,  hope there are some amongst you who will be like bees which protect the hive but if these bees don’t protect the hive, it shall be invaded,”

1154: Father Ribeiro of the Roman catholic Church is now giving a sermon. He says the nation was struggled and fought for.

“In that struggle, some did not return and other returned maimed. Some are here, some are not…I see the young here who have no idea how it was fought for but in the future we shall leave this heritage to them….Today’s celebrations must be passed onto our children so that grow up knowing where this country came from..in all this there are some who support it and there are some don’t,”

1147: They have now handed the torch to President Mugabe who proceeds to light up the Eternal Flame.

1146: Athletes who include Stephen Muzhingi, Olivia Chitate, Precious Mukuze, Paul Mhize among others have now entered the stadium carrying the independence torch.

1142: The parade march has ended. Time for the war cry.

1125: The Parade Commander seeks and gets permission from the Commander- in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Mugabe, to march past in slow and then in quick time.

1119: President Mugabe is now inspecting the Guard of Honour.

1342: The venue has now been filled to capacity and other keen patriots have been locked outside and have to wait for others to exit.

1111: The celebrations are being held at various venues across the country with the main one being at the National Sports Stadium.

1107: The National Anthem is now being played.

1105: President Mugabe has arrived at the National Sports Stadium and is accompanied by his Chatunga.

1050: Vice Presidents Mnangagwa and Mphoko are already here along with Service Chiefs and Cabinet ministers.

1045: The National Sports Stadium is fast filling up as Zimbabweans from all works of life converge to mark 36 years of independence from colonial rule.