The Sunday Mail
ZIMBABWEANS from all walks of life gathered at various centres yesterday to celebrate the country’s 35th Independence anniversary, amid pomp and fanfare despite the rains that pounded the country for the better part of the day.
This year’s Independence Day celebrations were held under the theme: “Zimbabwe @35: Consolidating Unity, Peace and Economic Sovereignty”.
In Harare, President Mugabe led the main celebrations at the National Sports Stadium.
He inspected the guard of honour before delivering his speech that was well received by the jubilant crowd.
A large crowd of youths and the elderly braved the chilly weather and light rains in Masvingo to join in the festivities that started early in the morning at Mucheke Stadium.
Proceedings to mark the important day started with a mass parade comprising members of the Zimbabwe National Army, prison service and the Zimbabwe Republic Police accompanied by drum majorettes marching from Chikato police station to the stadium.
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs Senator Shuvai Mahofa arrived at the stadium just before midday accompanied by service chiefs among them Commander 4 Brigade Brigadier General Chancellor Diye and Provincial Police Commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Martha Mofolo.
Minister Mahofa inspected the parade then read the Presidential speech which was punctuated by sporadic ululation from the frenzied crowd.
Drum majorettes, traditional dance groups and the ZCC band provided entertainment.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Cde Davis Marapira, Zanu PF provincial chairman Cde Paradzai Chakona, provincial commissar Cde Jappy Jaboon and Masvingo provincial administrator Mr Felix Chikovo attended the celebrations at Mucheke.
In Mashonaland Central, thousands of people thronged Chipadze Stadium in Bindura with official proceedings starting at around mid-day due to the heavy downpour.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Advocate Martin Dinha read President Mugabe’s speech after inspecting a guard of honour mounted by members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
The colourful celebrations were attended by senior Government officials, Members of Parliament and service chiefs.
Hundreds of people started trickling into the stadium as early as 6am, as they braved the harsh weather to mark the country’s Independence celebrations.
The Zimbabwe National Army band, entertainment groups, and school children provided entertainment.
And to add flavour to the excitement, there was a soccer match pitting Bindura based giants Mwana Africa and ZPCS sponsored premiership outfit Flame Lily.
In Mashonaland East, hundreds of jubilant people braved the cold rainy weather and thronged Rudhaka Stadium in Marondera for the celebrations.
The Zimbabwe National Army, police and prison services went on a spirited display of their capabilities which kept the crowds fascinated.
Minister of State for Mashonaland East Cde Joel Biggie Matiza read the President’s speech.
Marondera social soccer teams battled it out in front of thousands.
Midlands province was not to be outdone as thousands of people from all walks of life also gathered at Mkoba Stadium as early as 7am.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Cde Jason Machaya arrived at around 10.40 am and inspected an armed forces parade. He then proceeded to read the President’s speech.
Entertainment was galore.
Several Gweru schools, Midlands Chimurenga Choir and the Midlands State University Mbira ensemble exhibited their skills.
Among dignitaries in attendance were service chiefs – Officer Commanding Police Midlands Province, Senior Assistant Commissioner Abigail Moyo, Zimbabwe National Army commander 5 brigade, Brigadier–General Itai Justin Mujaji, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Officer Commanding Midlands Masvingo Region, Senior Assistant Commissioner Celesina Mupfarinya.
Also in attendance was Commander Thornhill Airbase, Group Captain George Ngundu, Commandant Zimbabwe Military Academy, Colonel Phillip Kupe and Gweru mayor, Councillor Hamutendi Kombayi.
In Manicaland thousands of people could not be deterred by the chilly weather as they thronged Sakubva Stadium as early as 8am.
Mozambique’s Manica Province Governor Mr Alberto Ricardo Mondlane, was among dignitaries who attended the celebrations.
The Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Cde Mandi Chimene read the Presidential speech which was well received by cheering crowds.
People interviewed separately said Independence Day is very important on the country’s calendar and should never be taken for granted.
“Even if we are facing difficult economic times like what is happening now, we have to celebrate the birth of a free nation. Economic hardships will soon end but we must understand that a lot of blood was shed to fight colonialism,” said Mr Patrick Chinhova from Fern Valley.
Mrs Veronica Chipura from Sakubva said: “At the end of the day people must be free with all the necessities of life at their disposal.”
In Chinhoyi, thousands gathered for Uhuru commemorations at Nemakonde High School despite the heavy rains.
The commemorations were moved to Nemakonde High school because the traditional venue – Chinhoyi Stadium – is undergoing renovations.
Minister of State for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs Cde Faber Chidarikire inspected a parade before reading the President’s speech.
Drum majorettes, horse displays from the Army Mounted Regiments and foot drills provided entertainment.
In an interview, Mrs Venus Shiriyedeve hailed the country’s Independence saying it brought opportunities to uplift the black majority.
“I would like to thank those who fought to liberate this country because our children can now go school.
In Bulawayo, White City Stadium was filled to capacity despite the drizzling and cold weather.
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs for Bulawayo, Cde Eunice Moyo read the President’s speech.
Zanu-PF Politburo member Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu said it was a landmark achievement to attain and celebrate 35 years of independence from the colonial yoke.
At Somhlolo Stadium in Lupane, Minister of State for Matebeleland North Provincial Affairs Minister Cde Cain Matema led the celebrations.
He also read the President’s speech.
The celebrations were attended by Matabeleland North Provincial Administrator Ms Latiso Dlamini, Zanu PF Matabeleland North Provincial chairperson Cde Richard Moyo, Chief Mabhikwa and service chiefs.
Officers and students from the Zimbabwe Staff College including those from China, Zambia, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania, were also in attendance.
Entertainment was provided by officers from the ZRP, ZNA, ZPS and musician Chase Skuza.
In Matabeleland South Province the celebrations were held at Phelandaba Stadium in Gwanda where the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Cde Abedinico Ncube led the proceedings.
He read the President’s speech after inspecting the guard of honour mounted by ZDF officers.
Also present at the celebrations were service chiefs, Provincial Administrator for Matabeleland South Mr Midard Khumalo, Gwanda Mayor Councillor Knowledge Ndlovu and Zanu PF Senator for Gwanda Cde Alma Mkwebo.
Entertainment was provided by the uniformed forces, complemented by drum majorettes from five Gwanda primary schools and other entertainment groups drawn from different parts of the province.
ZRP Gwanda and Gwanda select ladies soccer teams battled it out on the pitch.
