Savious Madanhire
Gweru residents are ready to host Vice President Cde. Dr. CDG N Chiwenga at Mtapa Hall where he is expected to launch the Independence Flame on 10 April 2025.
This significant event marks the beginning of Zimbabwe’s 45th Independence Day celebrations, with the Midlands Province taking center stage.
The city’s efforts to clean and refurbish the area demonstrate its commitment to hosting the big event.
However, announcing the programne leading up to the main celebrations on 18 April, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage said the torch will be taken for a stopover ceremony in Kwekwe where it will be officially presented to the Midlands Provincial leadership and later to a ceremony at Mtapa Hall on Thursday, to be presided over by VP Gen (Rtd) Dr. C.D.G.N. Chiwenga.
Additionally, when The Sun news crew visited Mtapa Hall, the area was full of activities to tidy up and create a welcoming atmosphere for the Vice President and other esteemed guests.
Speaking to the Sun Newspaper crew, the City of Gweru’s acting Town Clerk L. Churu emphasized the importance of the event.
“We feel greatly honored to host the Vice president and senior government officials who will launch the independence flame ahead of the Independence celebrations, which is an important day to the people of Zimbabwe, hence we are busy with preparations of the hall to make it more presentable, ” he said.
Moreover, the city’s preparations are not limited to Mtapa Hall only but nearby shops are being cleaned as well, streets that lead to the hall are being prepared for easy access to the venue and the hall is being repainted to give it a fresh new look.
Mtapa Hall holds a historical significance as the venue of the first ZANU PF Congress in 1964.
However, preparations for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations at Nembudziya Growth Point in Gokwe are now 80 percent complete, with infrastructure development in full swing.
Furthermore, among the key developments is the roadworks connecting Gokwe to surrounding areas, ensuring access for the thousands of people expected to attend.
Meanwhile, some of the various development projects earmarked for Gokwe North district, including Infrastructure Development (Construction of new roads, solarized boreholes, and rural electrification), Education (Construction of classroom blocks, donation of computers, and establishment of computer labs) and Economic Empowerment (Business units, nutritional gardens, and network boosters.)
The official lighting of the torch will take place at Sikombela Detention Camp on April 17, before being relayed to the main venue in Nembudziya by torchbearers, with Vice President Kembo Mohadi leading the proceedings.
The Zimbabwe independence flame is an enduring symbol of the country’s struggle for freedom and its commitment to building a better future for all its citizens. As the flame continues to burn brightly, it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for independence and as a beacon of hope for generations to come.
