The Sunday Mail
We are covering the 35th Anniversary of Zimbabwe’s Independence, LIVE UPDATES on Saturday the 18th of April … stay tuned
updates by Believe Nyakudjara, Costa Mano & Robin Chaibva
#1980SoFarSoGood
00.00 hrs Happy Independence Day ZIMBABWE #1980SoFarSoGood!
1423: That ends our updates.
1406: President Mugabe ends his speech.
1405: He thanks the support Government has received from the public service throughout the year. He says that bonuses were being withdrawn is not Government policy and cabinet never approved that.
He says that is disgusting to them and that will not happen. He says when Government bestows a benefit on public servants it cannot be reversed as it becomes a right.
“Your bonuses will come to you”.
He said the presidium was not consulted.
1401: The incidences that happened in Durban where some five or six Africans were burnt to death deliberately by members of the South Africans Zulu community. The act of treating of other Africans in such a brutal way can never be condoned. President Mugabe on behalf of Zimbabwe, Sadc and AU that should never happen again in South Africa or any other country. He says if it is because of the influx of other Africans surely it can be discussed…he acknowledges President’s Zuma’s promise of action and denunciation. He says arrangements are underway to bring back those that are willing.
1354: President Mugabe says he is honoured by his appointments as chairman of both Sadc and AU. He applauds the security forces for defending the country’s sovereignty and peace in the country and today they stand resilient in the pouring rain. He commends them for competent operations in Equatorial Guinea and Lesotho.
1351: Community information Centre projects have been started at Murombedzi and Mapisa while more are in the pipeline. Major medical operations like the open heart and kidney operations can now be done locally.
1550: It is in Government’s plans to continue empowering women politically and economically.
1347: More than 400 rural institutions were electrified in 2015 bringing the total to 7984 institutions by January 31 2015. 823 kilometre Plumtree, Bulawayo, Mutare road has been widened and awaits commissioning.
1345: Zimbabwe has been listed amongst the 52 must visit places in 2015 in the tourism sector. The sector’s growth will further be boosted by the expansion of the Victoria Falls airport.
1343: He commends the World Bank for putting some $6 million dollars for the parastatal reform programme. The World Bank in conjunction with the Government will launch a $6.5 million to improve the business environment.
1339: The largest mechanisation programme by Government to date will be launched soon. The President says the 2014 budget implementation process experienced expenditure pressures driven by high employment costs as a result Government faces challenges in funding development programmes.
1335: The success of ZimAsset lies in its implementation. He says climate change is showing itself today, alluding to the rains. President Mugabe says Government is putting in place contingency measures to make sure that noone starves.
1333: In pursuit of our efforts to improve the lives of our people since Independence the Government started implementing ZimAsset.
1328: President Mugabe is now on the podium and starts by saying Pamberi Nemvura!!!. He congratulates Zimbabwe on its independence.
1316: Host Minister Ignatius Chombo has been invited to the podium.
1308: Chaplain General for the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Colonel Joseph Nyakudya is now on the podium to give a sermon and prayer.
1303: ICT Minister Supa Mandiwanzira is now leading the proceedings.
1300: President Mugabe has lit the Independence Flame to cheers.
1248: The rains have have started again.
1237: The independence parade marches in slow and quick time.
1226: The independence parade is inspected by President Mugabe. The rains have stopped.
12.22 HIS EXCELLENCY has arrived alongside Dr. Amai Mugabe
12.01 Women donned in African Apparel wave flags and sing in joy for the celebration.
11.15The rain has stopped pouring and the crowds are filling the seats in the stadium chanting and dancing in celebration
11.12 hrs after some electric break dancing and live entertainment the National Defence forces have marched into the stadium preparing for the Uhuru celebrations to commence.
10.05 hrs : People have braved the weather and a large multitude has come to celebrate 35yrs of independence
