by Staff Reporter
The 41st Independence commemorations are taking place in a climate of COVID-19 safety restrictions, therefore a lot will happen virtually and congestion will be avoided, said Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa.
In a Press Statement yesterday, Minister Mutsvangwa revealed that this year’s Independence celebrations will be held under the theme “Zimbabwe at 41 together growing the economy for a prosperous resilient and inclusive society.
“His Excellency, the President has given a wide ranging interview to State Media. This will be screened on the ZTV and on ZTN on the 17th of April 2021 at 2030 hours. This will also be featured at the same time on National Radios and online platforms for our Diaspora audience,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
President Mnangagwa will also address the Nation at 1130hrs on the 18th of April 2021.This will come out live on TV, all national Radio Stations and on online platforms.
“A Virtual Concert will be held on the eve of the Independence Day. This will avail citizens an opportunity to merry-make, while in the safe confines of their homes. Artists are billed to perform from 17 April 18:00hrs to 18 April 06:00hrs. The welfare of the artists is of paramount importance hence, only 50 people will be at the venue,” said the Minister.
The Minister noted that the Police will ensure that only crew and artists will have access to the venue adding that further to this, preventative and precautionary COVID-19 protocols will be observed thorough out including sanitization of equipment, frequent hand washing, wearing of masks and social distancing.
Minister Mutsvangwa highlighted that the commemorations were treated as a Season of Celebration stretching into a number of days and a number of events have been lined up to celebrate. This includes the National Attire Design Competition initiated by the First Lady Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa, Online Youth Business Forum and the Children’s Party scheduled on the eve of the Independence Day.
“Following the launch of the national dress fabric by His Excellency, the President, on 19 December 2020, Provincial competitions were held across the country with designers coming up with designs for all Zimbabweans to wear and style the national dress fabric. Therefore, there will be a function this Friday, at the HICC, where the Provincial winners will contest against each other for the award of the best National Design. This event is the culmination of the hard work and initiative by the First Lady, Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa, working with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community and Small and Medium Enterprises Development,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
She added: “There is a lot of focus on the youths in our commemorations as the youths represent the future. There will be an online Youth Business Forum Celebrating our 41st Independence.
“The Business Forum is going to take place in Seven Chat rooms. Different Ministers will be engaging the youths on youth interests in different sectors of the economy.”
Ministers, Kirsty Coventry, Stembiso Nyoni, Wiston Chitando and Sekesai Nzenza will be among those participating in the Business Forum.
Minister Mutsvangwa said that the Children’s Party was going to be held on the evening of the 17th of April 2021 and the main event will take place at Statehouse in Harare. Fifty children will come from all provinces to Statehouse.
“There will be 25 boys and 25 girls who are coming to Harare tomorrow at 14:00hrs. Measures will be in place to keep the children safe.
“There will also be provincial parties happening across all other provinces in the country led by Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution,” said the Minister.
At midnight there will be fireworks displays launch from the HICC where those in nearby suburbs can witness this display in comfort of their residential parameters.
Dynamos and Highlanders will battle it out for honours of the Independence Trophy on 18 April 13:00hrs. The event will be closed to the general public and once again only 50 Officials and Team members will be allowed.
The Independence Trophy will be presented by Hon Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, who will be the guest of honour.
