LIVE BLOG: INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS

It’s now time for mass displays and that concludes our updates, thank you for joining us.

1300: The parade is now marching off the parade square.

1252: “Our prosperity is certain, happy independence Zimbabwe, Makorokoto Amhlophe!, God bless you all, God bless Zimbabwe!,” says President Mnangagwa as he leaves the podium.

1248: “Corruption, in whatever form by whomsoever, will not be condoned…the second republic will seek the development of marginalised communities,” says the President adding that his Government is fully committed to devolution.

1246: “I would like to commend the security services for their continued loyalty and defence of the constitution…law and order are an important ingredient for our development,”

1243: The President congratulates the senior men’s football team, the senior men’s cricket team as well as other national sports teams for their success in their immediate past.

1238: President Mnangagwa said Government is implementing projects to enhance the country’s connectivity by road, rail and air. He said one stop border posts will be established at Kazungula and Beitbridge. He added that kombis have been abusing the people through unjustified fare hikes which led to Government stepping in to introduce Zupco buses.

1231: “We applaud the small scale miners who are making meaningful contributions to the country’s revenue inflows…a national diamond policy is now in place. In line with our independence theme…communities must benefit from the natural resource endowments in their area.”

1226: “My administration is now focusing on unlocking value from the land and ensuring maximum productivity…resuscitation of the cold storage commission is now on track…the mining sector is a major conduit for investment inflows,”

1224: The President said Government is worried by the wanton increase of prices that has made life harder for citizens. he said the moves are unpatriotic and go against the economic dialogue currently underway.

“The land reform is irreversible and we will never regret taking back our land..we will never betray our comrades that died for the land,”

1222: “The ultimate obligation to turn around our fortunes lies with us using our natural God given abilities…the implementation of the Transitional Stabilisation Programme has since gathered momentum…we’ve made an upward review of maize, soya beans and cotton and supplies are set to improve.”

Air Force of Zimbabwe helicopters fly past. Picture by Tawanda Mudimu

1218: President Mnangagwa thanks the nation for the patriotism shown by Zimbabweans in coming together after the devastation of cyclone idai.

1216: “Today as we celebrate the birth of our nation, let’s honour the values that underpin it…we can nolonger be concerned with mere survival, let’s seek to blossom and prosper as a nation,

1212: The President starts off by congratulating the nation on the attainment of 39 years of self rule.

1211: President Mnangagwa is now on the podium to address the nation.

1202: Minister Mutsvangwa has invited Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing July Moyo to the podium as the host Minister to invite President Mnangagwa.

1150: Minister Mutsvangwa has called on a minister of religion Reverend Lunga from the Anglican church to lead a devotion and prayer.

Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs Ezra Chadzamira inspecting guard of honour while flanked by service chiefs during 39th Independence celebrations at Mucheke Stadium

1148: The director of ceremony, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa has invited Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi to give a sermon.

1145: President Mnangagwa has lit the Eternal Flame.

1118: President Mnangagwa has now granted permission for the parade to march past in quick and slow motion.

President Mnangagwa is led to his seat after inspecting the guard of honour. Picture by Tawanda Mudimu

1116: President Mnangagwa, accompanied by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander  General Phillip Valerio Sibanda, is now inspecting the guard of honour.

1112: Parade commander has advised President Mnangagwa of the structure of the parade and also takes opportunity to invite him, as the Commander in Chief, to inspect the guard of honour.

President Mnangagwa inspects the guard of honour

1109: President Mnangagwa has stepped onto the podium and the National Anthem is now being sung.

1106: President Mnangagwa and First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa have arrived.

1105: In Mutare, Minister of State for Manicaland provincial affairs Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba is leading the celebrations at Sakubva Stadium.

Minister of State for Manicaland provincial affairs Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba (with scarf)

1104: The main celebrations are at the National Sports Stadium but each of the country’s provinces are also hosting similar celebrations to mark the grand occasion.

Politburo members Cdes Angeline Masuku, Absalom Sikhosana and Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Cde Raj Modi among the people here at White City Stadium for the Independence celebrations

1103: Today’s celebrations are held under the theme “Zimbabwe @39 — Embracing Devolution for Vision 2030.”

1102: Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and his wife Mary have arrived.

1057: Vice President Kembo Mohadi and wife have arrived.

1030: The service chiefs have arrived and taken their seats.

1000: Thousands of Zimbabweans have made way into National Sports Stadium for the country’s 39th Independence Celebrations.

Outside the stadium, there are long winding queues of people still trying to get in.

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