{"id":116525,"date":"2026-04-18T19:01:28","date_gmt":"2026-04-18T17:01:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/zimbabwe\/all-news\/live-blog-zimbabwe-46-independence-celebrations"},"modified":"2026-04-18T22:00:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T20:00:42","slug":"live-blog-zimbabwe-46-independence-celebrations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/zimbabwe\/all-news\/live-blog-zimbabwe-46-independence-celebrations","title":{"rendered":"Live Blog: Zimbabwe @46 Independence Celebrations"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. <\/strong><\/span>Welcome to our live coverage of Zimbabwe\u2019s 46th Independence Day commemorations. This year\u2019s main celebrations are being held in Maphisa, the administrative centre of Matobo Rural District Council in Matabeleland South Province, approximately 120 kilometres south of Bulawayo.<\/p>\n

The national event continues the government\u2019s decentralisation thrust, which has seen Independence festivities rotated across provinces. Last year\u2019s commemorations were staged at Nembudziya Growth Point in Gokwe North.<\/p>\n

Host Province in Focus: Maphisa Transformation Drive<\/p>\n

In the lead-up to the 2026 celebrations, the government highlighted a significant acceleration of infrastructure and socio-economic projects in Matabeleland South, positioning the event as both a national celebration and a catalyst for rural development.<\/p>\n

Key Government Interventions<\/p>\n

Budgetary Support:<\/p>\n

Treasury allocated approximately ZiG$14 million towards preparations in Matobo District, covering infrastructure upgrades and event logistics.<\/p>\n

Road Rehabilitation Programme:<\/p>\n

The Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) has undertaken extensive works, including:<\/p>\n

Re-gravelling nearly 395km of roads in the Kezi\u2013Maphisa corridor<\/p>\n

Upgrading the 66km Gwanda\u2013Maphisa Road<\/p>\n

Maintenance works on key regional links such as Bulawayo\u2013Kezi and Plumtree\u2013Maitengwe routes<\/p>\n

State reports indicate these upgrades are aimed at improving long-term connectivity, not just facilitating event access.<\/p>\n

Water and Rural Industrialisation:<\/p>\n

Government has rolled out:<\/p>\n

136 boreholes across Matabeleland South to improve water security<\/p>\n

24 Village Business Units (VBUs) in Maphisa, with at least 11 already completed<\/p>\n

VBUs are part of a broader rural industrialisation strategy designed to stimulate local enterprise and value addition.<\/p>\n

Health and Education Infrastructure:<\/p>\n

Among the 43 legacy projects nearing completion:<\/p>\n

Expansion of classroom blocks at Mahetshe Primary School<\/p>\n

Construction of a 700-seater assembly hall at Mahetshe Secondary School<\/p>\n

Upgrading and refurbishment of Kezi District Hospital<\/p>\n

Main Venue Upgrade:<\/p>\n

Maphisa Stadium has undergone significant refurbishment to host the main proceedings, including terracing, ablution facilities, and security enhancements.<\/p>\n

Attendance and National Significance<\/p>\n

Authorities expect over 50,000 people to attend this year\u2019s celebrations, with delegations from across the country. According to state coverage, the event will feature:<\/p>\n

Military parades and displays by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces<\/p>\n

Cultural performances showcasing Zimbabwe\u2019s diverse heritage<\/p>\n

Youth and community exhibitions aligned with Vision 2030 themes<\/p>\n

Beyond the Celebrations<\/p>\n

Government officials have framed the Maphisa developments as part of the devolution and decentralisation policy, ensuring historically marginalised regions benefit from national events.<\/p>\n

The long-term objective is to transform host venues into permanent centres of economic and social activity, rather than temporary event sites.<\/p>\n

Stay with us for real-time updates, speeches, crowd scenes, and key highlights throughout the day.<\/p>\n

The atmosphere is electric, with crowds thronging into the stadium as early as 06:30am. Food is being provided by Chicken Inn, alongside a range of soft drinks.<\/p>\n

Some youths inside the stadium are holding placards in support of President Emmerson Mnangagwa\u2019s Vision 2030 agenda, commonly referred to as \u201cED2030.\u201d<\/p>\n

Our reporter, Nizbert Moyo, who is on the ground in Maphisa, says that\u2014much like last year\u2014the weather has threatened to disrupt proceedings.<\/p>\n

A heavy downpour, accompanied by thunderstorms, has forced participants to seek cover, with activities temporarily suspended. Some attendees still en route have reported difficulties crossing flooded rivers, raising concerns about accessibility to the venue.<\/p>\n

Some congratulatory messages from the United States and the European Union https:\/\/x.com\/i\/status\/2045422281246011398<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.state.gov\/releases\/office-of-the-spokesperson\/2026\/04\/zimbabwe-national-day\/<\/p>\n

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has just arrived at the main venue for celebrations in Maphisa and the singing of the national anthem soon after that. He then embarked on the inspecting the guard of honour.<\/p>\n

A statement from the United States Secretary of State, Mark Rubio:<\/p>\n

\u201cOn behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend my congratulations to the people of Zimbabwe as you celebrate your 46th anniversary of independence.<\/p>\n

As we look to the future, we recognize the importance of expanding commercial connections and fostering economic opportunity. The United States is dedicated to working with Zimbabwe to overcome barriers to trade and investment, promote transparent business practices, and create an environment where entrepreneurs and businesses from both countries can thrive. By deepening U.S.-Zimbabwe commercial ties, we can unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and shared prosperity.\u201d<\/p>\n

12;40 Scenes from the Zim@46 celebrations in Maphisa, Matabeleland South<\/p>\n

In non-independence news but a celebration non the less, here is the Harare International Festival of Arts (Haifa) with some news… https:\/\/x.com\/i\/status\/2045444766628757909<\/p>\n

17:52 Scottland celebrate after beating Highlanders 1-0 to win the Uhuru Cup at Maphisa Stadium<\/p>\n

Scenes from Zim@46 celebrations in Maphisa, Matabeleland South. Videos and pictures by Shepherd Tozvireva<\/p>\n

For More News And Analysis About Zimbabwe<\/span> Follow Africa-Press<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Welcome to our live coverage of Zimbabwe\u2019s 46th Independence Day commemorations. This year\u2019s main celebrations are being held in Maphisa, the administrative centre of Matobo Rural District Council in Matabeleland South Province, approximately 120 kilometres south of Bulawayo. The national event continues the government\u2019s decentralisation thrust, which has seen Independence festivities rotated […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":116524,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,12],"tags":[19],"class_list":["post-116525","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-news","category-policy","tag-zimbabwe"],"yoast_head":"\nLive Blog: Zimbabwe @46 Independence Celebrations - zimbabwe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Welcome to our live coverage of Zimbabwe\u2019s 46th Independence Day commemorations. 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