LIVE UPDATES: Independence Celebrations Women hold a banner in commemorations of Zimbabwe's independence at the NSS (pic by Lloyd Gumbo)

1514: However, please note our Facebook page The Herald-Zimbabwe will bring live updates on the match pitting Dynamos against FC Platinum.

1513: The First Family is now leaving the NSS and that brings our updates to an end.

1404: The crowd is now being entertained by mass displays.

1350: The uniformed forces parade marches in quick and slow motion march.

Part of the uniformed forces marching at NSS (pic by Kudakwashe Hunda)

Part of the uniformed forces marching at NSS (pic by Kudakwashe Hunda)

President Mugabe lights the Independence flame (pic by Lloyd Gumbo)

President Mugabe lights the Independence flame (pic by Lloyd Gumbo)

1343: The President has finished his speech.

1342: “We want a clean Government. I want to assure you that where will find corruption people will be punished. We can’t punish people just because you want them punished when some are innocent but where cases have been proven and proven beyond doubt then they will be punished.”

President Mugabe lighting the flame of independence. (pic by Kudakwashe Hunda)

President Mugabe lighting the flame of independence. (pic by Kudakwashe Hunda)

1330: “If there are any diplomats that speak publicly of their support of homosexuality, just tell me and we will chuck them out of the country….as soon as we hear that they will be out of the country before the sun sets”

1326: The President castigates homosexuality saying those that do it say it is their human right but from that which is wrong you cannot derive that which is right. “It is inhumane”

1317: “Government is committed to bringing ARVs to hospitals. It is better to prevent HIV in a person than waiting for a person to be attacked and the rush to assist.”

1312: “Community Ownership Trusts must be created wherever mining is taking place”

1305: Tobacco farmers have been urged to use coal in curing their crop or face a ban if they continue to cut trees.

1302: “The condition of NRZ continues to pose serious challenges.”

1259: “We want to be self sufficient in power generation.”

1256: “Government is now also reorganising the mining sector so as to make it more transparent and efficient”

1247: “I’m 90 years old but my fist packs 90 tonnes of force”

1246: “If there are going to be protests that are non violent that the police have given police then that’s a different matter. But if people are going to create violence at the instigation of some NGOs that don’t like the Zanu PF Governmnent then they are misguided. They should not see us and say because we are quiet and believe we are a spent force then they are wrong”

1241: “A strong nation needs a strong people, free from disease”

1241:  “The scourge of HIV is not yet over although we have reduced it we still need to be committed to taking care of ourselves.” He insinuates the business of multiple partners should be left to Tsvangirai who is good at it.

1238: “There’s a lot that needs to be done in terms of development in the country but we also need to keep educating our people. Our universities should provide education that enables the students be able to work in factories that we want to have. People should not just be stuck doing Economics, Business Studies but they should also get education that enables them to work in the different fields of economic activity”

1232: President Mugabe says the country should add value to the raw materials grown and mined in the country.

1228: “We make laws and build different policies that remove poverty within the people, laws that help our people get education”

1227: “We are not ashamed to say that the majority of Zimbabweans are the rightful owners of the country, it however does not mean that we close the doors to those that want to enter the country”

1226: “Each child born in Zimbabwe, white or black, girl or boy must all go to school..we are not racist..but as we say that we also know that those that oppressed us are visitors”

1223: “Freedom is equal and those in Government are not more important”

1219: For Christians this is a happy day because this is liberation that is two fold because it’s Easter as well says President Mugabe.

1217: President Mugabe says congratulations to Zimbabweans on independence day both born frees and those that fought the war.

1214: In Chinhoyi, Cde Chidarikire is now delivering the President’s speech.

1212: President Mugabe is now addressing the gathering.

1205: Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Ignatius Chombo is now on the podium. He will invite President Mugabe after his brief speech. Minister Chombo’s ministry is playing host to the independence celebrations.

1156: Colonel Nyakudya is now delivering a sermon.

1149: Deputy Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Supa Mandiwanzira is now addressing the event as the Master of Ceremonies.

Minister Mudarikwa reading the President's speech at Rudhaka Stadium (Pic by Farai Kuvirimirwa)

Minister Mudarikwa reading the President’s speech at Rudhaka Stadium (Pic by Farai Kuvirimirwa)

1146: President Mugabe has just lit the Independence Flame.

1131: In Beitbridge, Home Affairs Minister, Kembo Mohadi, has arrived at Dulibadzimu Stadium.

1129: The uniformed forces parade now marches in slow and quick march.

1116: Scores of Beitbridge residents have thronged Dulibadzimu Stadium for the independence celebrations.

President Mugabe arrives at the NSS (pic by Lloyd Gumbo)

President Mugabe arrives at the NSS (pic by Lloyd Gumbo)

 

1107: President Mugabe and First Lady Amai Grace have arrived to thunderous applause and ululations. The national anthem is now being sung.

Women hold a banner in commemorations of Zimbabwe's independence at the NSS (pic by Lloyd Gumbo)

Women hold a banner in commemorations of Zimbabwe’s independence at the NSS (pic by Lloyd Gumbo)

1104: Vice President Joice Mujuru has arrived.

1103: This year’s theme is “Zimbabwe @34: Defending Our Sovereignty and Providing an Enabling Environment for Sustainable Economic Empowerment and Social Transformation”

Kids join the elderly on the dance floor in celebrating Independence at the NSS (pic by Lloyd Gumbo)

Kids join the elderly on the dance floor in celebrating Independence at the NSS (pic by Lloyd Gumbo)

Vendors outside the NSS in anticipation of briskly business (pic by Lloyd Gumbo)

Vendors outside the NSS in anticipation of briskly business (pic by Lloyd Gumbo)

Ministers take their seats at the NSS (pic by Lloyd Gumbo)

Ministers take their seats at the NSS (pic by Lloyd Gumbo)

1039: An electric atmosphere is engulfing Marondera and thousands of people have thronged Rudhaka Stadium where the independence celebrations are being held. Club Shanga is entertaining the crowd.

1035: At the NSS, some dignitaries already seated include National Assembly Speaker Jacob Mudenda and a host of ministers.

1033: In Chinhoyi, people are trickling into Chinhoyi Stadium while waiting for the arrival of Minister of State for Mashonaland West Cde Faber Chidarikire for official proceedings to start.

Members of the Apostolic sects among those gathered at the NSS (Pic by Lloyd Gumbo)

Members of the Apostolic sects among those gathered at the NSS (Pic by Lloyd Gumbo)

A woman in the queue carrying a 5-litre bottle of drinking water (Lloyd Gumbo)

A woman in the queue carrying a 5-litre bottle of drinking water (Lloyd Gumbo)

Members of the Apostolic sects among those gathered at the NSS (Pic by Lloyd Gumbo)

Members of the Apostolic sects among those gathered at the NSS (Pic by Lloyd Gumbo)

1022: The National Sports Stadium which is playing host to the country’s main independence celebrations is slowly filling up as people come to celebrate 34 years of self rule.
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