Zimpapers Logo

Today, we join hands in celebration of a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s history – its 44th Independence Day. This day marks not just the end of colonial rule but also the birth of a nation that has shown resilience, strength, and a rich cultural heritage.

The HeraldOnline takes you through the celebrations LIVE from Murambinda B High School, Buhera District in Manicaland Province where more than 70 000 are expected to converge and interface with His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa as he leads the process.

This day marks not just the end of colonial rule but also the birth of a nation that has shown resilience, strength, and a rich cultural heritage. As we commemorate this special day, we reflect on Zimbabwe’s journey, its triumphs and challenges, and the hope that lights its path towards a prosperous future.

09:19

 

 

\

 

 

 

 

09:51 The stage is set for celebrating Zimbabwe’s Independence Day at SADC offices in Botswana.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10:21 Parade by the Uniformed Forces at the Uhuru celebrations at Murambinda B High School. Pictures by Farai Dauramanzi

 

 

 

10:46 Professor Welshman Ncube, the leader of the opposition CCC is among those attending independence celebrations in Murambinda.

 

 

 

 

10:55 Scores of people are still outside the Murambinda B stadium

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10:56 Information Secretary Mr Nick Mangwana talking to Diamond FM, Lawrence Lifa at the venue of the Independence Celebrations in Murambinda. Picture Credit: Ranga Mataire

 

10:57 https://www.facebook.com/share/v/g1heJQ9ga7UqUosv/?mibextid=oFDknk

11:11 The two Vice Presidents, Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi have arrived at Murambinda B High School for the Independence Day celebrations.

President Mnangagwa and First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa have arrived. https://fb.watch/rwGNVJ0K4v/

Now singing of the National Anthem and fly-past by Airforce of Zimbabwe jets.

President Mnangagwa is now inspecting the Uniformed Forces’ parade.

11:27 President Mnangagwa inspects the guard of honor at the national Independence celebrations in Murambinda, Buhera. Photo Credit -Wilson Kakurira

https://fb.watch/rwGTfeFYVr/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11:41 Delegates and Ministers 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of Zimbabwe’s milestones are as follows:

HEALTH SECTOR

•  Resumption of open heart surgery in June 2023 at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, improving accessibility and affordability for individuals in need of the procedure.

 

•  Zimbabwe also met the UNAIDS 95-95-95 HIV testing and treatment targets in 2022.

This confirms the success and impact of Zimbabwe’s HIV programmes, as the nation achieved the UNAIDS 95-95-95 viral suppression target and has one of the highest recorded rates of viral suppression in the world.

• Significant progress in installing medical gas reticulation systems across several hospitals.
• Construction of the Runyararo Clinic in Chimanimani and the Mutare National Pharmaceutical Company warehouse.
• Solar-powered boreholes installed at 10 health facilities across the province to guarantee provision of safe and clean water. Building of the Bhale Health Post in Hwange and the Mataga Clinic in Mberengwa district.
• Construction of the following hospitals: Banket, Chivhu and Victoria Falls.
•  Construction of the Mashala and Mkhombo clinics in Matabeleland North, with completion rates of 80 percent and 45 percent, respectively as at December 2023.

 

 

11:53 President Mnangagwa inspects the Uniformed Forces parade at Murambinda B High School

https://fb.watch/rwGTfeFYVr/

12:04 President Mnangagwa lights up the Flame of Independence. The Flame was delivered by a team of athletes led by the African Games gold-winning Lady Chevrons player Nyasha Gwanzura.

https://fb.watch/rwGKeTZy0e/

 

 

 

 

12:12 Deputy Chief Secretary-Presidential Communications in the Office of the President & Cabinet, Cde George Charamba , greets attendees at the venue of Independence Celebrations in Murambinda, Buhera.

 

12:13 Some of the delegates present

 

 

 

 

 

12:15 President Mnangagwa is now about to start delivering his keynote address. He starts by performing his popular dance to the excitement of the delegates.

 

The President is now on the podium. He starts with salutations.

 

 

He recognises the presence of a delegation from Mozambique that is led by the Governor of Manica Province.

 

 

He starts his speech by saying that the Independence Day in 1980 signalled the end of colonial rule and reassures the Nation that Zimbabwe will never be a colony again. He said Zimbabwe shall forever remain a sovereign and democratic nation.

 

 

Turning to the venue of this year’s national Independence celebrations, he said Manicaland has a rich history in the liberation of the country and produced many illustrious nationalists, among them Cdes Herbert Chitepo, Dabaningi Sithole, Rekayi Tangwena and Kumbirai Kangai.

 

 

The President went on to call for nation-building in accordance with the mantra “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo. He said we are masters of our own destiny.

 

President Mnangagwa says the broadcasting sector has made a lot of progress in increasing coverage to improve access to information of all citizens. He says social media platforms must not be abused but should be used productively, and to defend the country’s sovereignty.

He encourages churches and the community to play their part in the fight against drugs and substance abuse.

He says the safety of women and children should be guaranteed and says the law will take its course against anyone who abuses women and children.

He says the Call to Action plan will ensure that all local authorities deliver high-quality service delivery and says poor service delivery will not be tolerated.

President Mnangagwa says Zimbabwe remains a friend to all and enemy to none but will never compromise on its sovereignty and independence.

His Excellency said the recently introduced ZiG, which is backed by gold, will stabilise the economy.

When it comes to food security, the President said this year’s drought is the worst in 40 years and therefore he has invoked a State of Disaster that will activate all State machinery to address the situation.

The President reiterated that no one will starve, adding that Government has put in motion plans to increase winter maize output by reviving irrigation schemes in various provinces and districts.

President Mnangagwa said social media platforms must not be abused. Rather, they should be used productively, and to defend the country’s sovereignty.

He called against all forms of violence against women and children. He spoke passionately against child marriages.

In line with the Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement agenda, the President reiterated that Zimbabwe is a friend for all and an enemy to none.

He highlighted that Zimbabwe will assume the Chairmanship of SADC in August, 2024.

President Mnagagwa thanked Manicaland for hosting this year’s celebrations and revealed that Midlands Province will host next year’s 45th Independence celebrations.

The President conclude by wishing all Zimbabweans a happy 44th Independence anniversary.