Preparations for Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence Anniversary Celebrations, the 2026 Children’s Party and legacy infrastructure projects are at an advanced stage.
Speaking during the Post Cabinet Briefing, yesterday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Soda Zhemu, said that key infrastructure works are progressing well ahead of the national celebrations.
“Preparations for the 2026 Independence Day Celebrations, the Children’s Party, and legacy infrastructure projects are well advanced, with most expected to be completed prior to the celebrations,” he said.
Minister Zhemu added that major construction works at the main arena, stadium and access roads were on track.
“Key construction activities at the main arena, the stadium and access roads are on schedule to be completed by 15 April 2026,” he added.
On road infrastructure, the Minister said Government is prioritising accessibility to the venue.
“The construction of major access roads, including the Bulawayo–Maphisa and Gwanda–Maphisa roads, is ongoing and targeted for completion by August 2026. In the interim, measures will be taken to ensure these roads are trafficable and that detours are closed in time for the event,” said Minister Zhemu.
He added that additional road works are underway to improve connectivity.
“Repairs to storm-water drainage, grading and gravelling are underway on other major roads, including Maphisa–Mphoengs, Sun Yat Sen–Manama, and St Joseph–Sun Yat Sen, as part of ongoing maintenance works to improve access to the celebrations venue,” he said.
Minister Zhemu also highlighted preparations for the Children’s Party.
“The Children’s Party is scheduled for 17 April 2026 at Mahetshe Primary School, with 3 050 child delegates expected to participate. His Excellency the President, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, will host the event,” he noted.
On symbolic events, he said the Independence Torch relay is already underway.
“The Independence Torch relay commenced on 10 April 2026 with the lighting of the flame at Zezane Assembly Point, officiated by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
The torch will be conveyed through districts and received at Ratanyana Liberation Site on 17 April 2026 before proceeding to Maphisa,” he said.
Minister Zhemu further added that all logistics were already in place.
“Logistical arrangements, including transport, food, security, invitations and media, are in place, while power supplies have been established,” he said, noting that several legacy projects have also been completed.
The 2026 commemorations will be held in Maphisa which is in Matabeleland South Province, with Government using the event to drive infrastructure development and community projects in the host region.
