Zim celebrates 39 years of Uhuru
ALL roads lead to the National Sports Stadium today for the country’s 39th Independence Day main celebrations where President Mnangagwa is expected to deliver the keynote independence address.
This year’s celebrations are running under the theme: “Zimbabwe @39 — Embracing Devolution for Vision 2030.”
Invitations have already been sent to embassies, ministers, political party leaders and other dignitaries.
In other provinces, Ministers of State, provincial and district administrators, who spoke to yesterday, said all was set for Independence Day celebrations.
Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs Oliver Chidawu urged Zimbabweans from all walks of life to throng the giant stadium, saying buses have been provided at the usual pick up points.
“It is time for our independence, let us celebrate together as the people of Harare. Our celebrations will be at the National Sports Stadium on April 18, 2019. Let us come in our numbers. The buses will pick up people at the usual pick up points from 6 o’clock in the morning. We have 50 buses for Harare. We are also urging those who can assist with their own transport to help carry people to the stadium,” he said.
“Let us celebrate in peace and harmony. Let us observe the protocols and dignity that are associated with the celebrations. Members of the public should not leave the stadium before His Excellency has finished presenting his independence message.”
In Masvingo, it is all systems go for the celebrations that will be held throughout the province with main celebrations set for the provincial capital where Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Cde Ezra Chadzamira will officiate.
By yesterday afternoon preparations had been completed at all centres where the festivities will be held.
Provincial administrator Mr Fungai Mbetsa said they expect a capacity crowd attend. “We are done with the preparations
ZIMBABWE and China have been urged to increase tourism cooperation to cement and solidify the existing excellent relations in culture and tourism.
Addressing delegates during the Sichuan Food Festival in Harare on Tuesday night, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Guo Shaochun said Zimbabwe shares a lot of geographical features with the Sichuan province of China.
“I encourage Sichuan province to discover and explore Zimbabwe both as a tourist and an investment destination,” he said.
“I also urge Zimbabwean friends to visit Sichuan and get a better understanding of the real China.
“Sichuan province is a landlocked place with beautiful landscape and rich natural resources, with 53 mineral resources. It has beautiful mountains and rivers and is home to lovely panda which constitute 80 percent of the world’s panda population.
“The people are brave, passionate and hard working just like Zimbabweans.”
Mr Guo said Zimbabwe and China people-to-people and cultural exchanges have significantly increased.
He said this was evidenced by that more Chinese were coming to Victoria Falls, liked Zimbabwe’s stone sculpture and enjoyed Zimbabwean sadza.
On the other hand, he said, Zimbabwean people were getting interested in Chinese culture, food and language.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, who was the guest of honour at the event, said Sichuan dishes were one of the most famous regional cuisines in China that had gone beyond national to global appeal.
She said Zimbabwe and China had a long history and strong bond of friendship.
“Our President Mnangagwa was among the first and earliest cadres who trained at the Nanjing Military Academy and upon independence, the relationship blossomed,” she said.
“The Look East Policy saved Zimbabwe from economic strangulation.
“Zimbabwe is benefiting, especially in the energy sector.
“Kariba South and Hwange 7 and 8 power stations are testament, as Zimbabwe seeks self-sufficiency and even exports electricity.
“As we talk, Tsingshan Steel, the global leader in stainless steel accounting 25 percent production is on the verge of a multi-billion dollar investment in Mvuma.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said the country remained alive to the core diplomatic interests of the two nations and was recently a victim of devastating Cyclone Idai.
Both the Chinese government and its nationals resident in Zimbabwe generously helped with rescue and recovery operations in the most hit areas of Chimanimani and Chipinge.