The 44th Independence Day celebrations in Zimbabwe were held in Murambinda, a bustling town in Buhera district, Manicaland province, marking a second year of decentralizing the national event in alignment with President Mnangagwa’s vision of “leaving no one and no place behind.
Previously, the celebrations were held solely in Harare, the nation’s capital. Bulawayo and Mashonaland Central hosted the 42nd and 43rd celebrations respectively, reflecting the President’s commitment to devolution and spreading development across the country.
Over 70,000 people flocked to Murambinda B High School to witness the festivities, themed “Zim@44: Unity, Peace and Development Towards Vision 2030.” The town holds a special place in Zimbabwe’s history. During the liberation struggle, thousands of freedom fighters assembled at Dzapasi/Foxtrot, located near Murambinda, before the 1980 elections.
What a joy to host the Children's Party today as part of our 44th Independence Anniversary celebrations. It's always a special occasion to see the young ones smiling and enjoying themselves. Let's continue to nurture and empower our future leaders. #IndependenceDay #Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 pic.twitter.com/gZEhqhNguO
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) April 17, 2024
President Mnangagwa, a veteran of the war himself, addressed schoolchildren on the importance of unity across diverse backgrounds. He emphasized that the fight for independence was a collective effort, and that future generations should be proud of their heritage.
The Independence Flame, a symbol of self-rule, was taken on a journey across Manicaland before arriving at Murambinda. This included Mutasa’s Magamba, a former interrogation and execution site for the colonial regime, reminding all of the sacrifices made for freedom.
The celebrations culminated in a football match between Zimbabwean giants Highlanders and Dynamos, played at a newly built stadium at Murambinda B High School. This school also benefitted from the event, receiving a solar-powered borehole, a drip irrigation garden, and a fishery project, a model to be replicated across the country.