Government says preparations for Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence Day Anniversary and the 2026 Children’s Party are at an advanced stage.
Addressing yesterday’s Post Cabinet Briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Soda Zhemu, said Cabinet had received and noted an update on the state of readiness.
“Preparations for the 46th Independence Day Anniversary Celebrations and the 2026 Children’s Party are now at an advanced stage, with most of the critical infrastructure projects either completed or nearing completion,” said Minister Zhemu.
He confirmed that this year’s main celebrations will be hosted at Maphisa Growth Point, with the Children’s Party set for Mahetshe Primary School and the Independence Gala to be held at Minda Primary School.
“The main arena is complete, and works on plumbing and electrical systems are ongoing. Pitch excavation, levelling, drainage and fencing are also at an advanced stage, while the parking area has been cleared and is being gravelled,” he said.
On education infrastructure, Minister Zhemu said major upgrades to schools in the host district are almost complete.
“Superstructures at Mahetshe Primary and Secondary Schools as well as Minda High School have reached 100 percent completion, with classrooms, laboratories, staff houses and renovations now nearing finalisation,” he added
He noted that construction work has also begun at Shashane High School and Kezi Primary School as part of broader development efforts linked to the national event.
“Construction of the Bulawayo–Kezi–Maphisa and Gwanda–Maphisa roads is underway, with some sections nearing completion, while additional roads across the province are also being rehabilitated,” he said.
He noted that water and communication infrastructure projects are also being prioritised.
“Borehole drilling and water infrastructure development are ongoing to support both local communities and businesses, while distribution of Starlink kits, laptops and printers is underway to enhance connectivity,” said Minister Zhemu.
Minister Zhemu further highlighted progress in health and institutional infrastructure, saying Maphisa District Hospital and Kezi Rural Hospital are nearing completion, alongside the establishment of a Command Centre for emergency services.
“Projects such as the Ratanyana Battle Site Museum, District Heroes Acres, the former Zezane Assembly Point and Manama Mission School are progressing steadily towards completion,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s Independence Day celebrations are held annually on April 18, with the hosting of national events rotating across provinces as part of Government’s decentralisation and infrastructure development agenda.
