Zimbabwe gears up for 45th Independence celebrations in Gokwe

Staff Reporter

Preparations for Zimbabwe’s 45th Independence Day celebrations are well underway, with the Government confirming Nembudziya Growth Point, in Gokwe, Midlands Province, as the official venue for this year’s national event.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, during a Post-Cabinet Media Briefing, in Harare, on Tuesday.

He reiterated the Government’s commitment to the decentralisation of national events, ensuring that different regions across the country have the opportunity to host significant occasions.

“In line with the thrust of the Second Republic, to hold national events rotationally across the country’s provinces, the 45th Independence Anniversary Celebrations will be held, on April,18 at Nembudziya Growth Point open ground, in Gokwe North. As per tradition, the Children’s Party will precede the main celebrations on April 17, at Nyamuroro High School, while the Independence Gala will be hosted at Nembudziya Government School, on the eve of April 18,” Dr. Muswere stated.

The celebrations will run under the theme “Zimbabwe @45: Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030.” The theme underscores the Government’s ongoing drive towards devolution, aiming for equitable national development in line with the country’s long-term vision of achieving an upper middle-income economy by 2030. The event is expected to draw over 60,000 attendees from all ten provinces, making it one of the largest Independence Day gatherings in recent years.

Beyond the Independence Day preparations, Cabinet also approved several strategic initiatives, including the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Coordination Framework. This policy aims to harmonise existing education policies and strengthen systems to provide quality and affordable early learning opportunities for Zimbabwean children.

Additionally, preparations for the 2025 Sangani/Hlanganani Business Expo are progressing well, with Manicaland Province set to host the prestigious event. This expo is expected to attract local and international investors, boosting business opportunities in Zimbabwe’s tourism and trade sectors.

Cabinet further approved a 12-member delegation to represent Zimbabwe at EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Zimbabwe’s participation in the global event is seen as an opportunity to showcase the country’s investment potential and promote trade partnerships. Shipments of exhibition materials for Zimbabwe’s Pavilion have already commenced.

Meanwhile, Cabinet was briefed on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s attendance at the State Funeral of Namibia’s founding father, Dr. Sam Nujoma. The President paid tribute to the late African liberation hero, highlighting his unwavering dedication to the continent’s independence struggles. Dr. Nujoma’s legacy remains a symbol of resilience and Pan-Africanism, values that continue to inspire the region.

As Zimbabwe prepares to mark 45 years of independence, this year’s celebrations, in Gokwe, stand as a testament to the country’s commitment to inclusive development, national unity, and the ongoing pursuit of economic transformation.