Uhuru preparations gather momentum

Walter Nyamukondiwa Mashonaland West Bureau

PREPARATIONS for the 39th Independence Day celebrations in Mashonaland West Province have gathered momentum, with several activities lined up including the inaugural Independence Ball.

In an interview, provincial administrator Mrs Cecilia Chitiyo said the day was aimed at celebrating the peace and maturity of the nation.

“We are geared for this year 2019 Independence celebrations. We are going to do it with a difference. As a province and the nation at large, we are celebrating our maturity as a nation,” said Mrs Chitiyo.

“We have organised things differently this time, as a province we will be hosting an Independence Ball, where various stakeholders who make things happen in the province will interface with Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs Minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka.”

The main event will be held at Chinhoyi Stadium in Chinhoyi, while celebrations will also be held in all the seven districts led by district administrators.

Traditional dance groups have been lined up to showcase the various cultures in the province, while football matches will also be part of the programme.

“Districts, through district administrators, are also organising their own Independence celebrations,” she said.

Churches, she said will be heavily involved in the activities for the first time to guide people and help in fostering peace.

She said Chinhoyi holds a critical position in the history of the country as the first shots to signal armed phase of the Second Chimurenga were fired in the province, leading to the death of seven gallant fighters.

The nation will be celebrating 39 years of Independence from British colonial rule, ushering in majority rule and the right to self-determination.