By Zachary Gava
Harare, (New Ziana) — Zimbabwe’s drive to ensure national development reaches every corner of the country will gather fresh momentum next year after Government announced that the 47th national Independence Celebrations will be held at Rutenga Growth Point in Mwenezi District, Masvingo Province, with a package of infrastructure projects worth billions earmarked for the area to accompany the Uhuru gathering.
The decision continues the Second Republic’s policy of rotating the annual Independence celebrations across the country’s provinces, using the national event as a catalyst for long-term development through devolution funding.
This year’s commemorations were held at Maphisa Growth Point in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province, where roads, schools, clinics and other public infrastructure were upgraded ahead of the national celebrations.
Announcing the venue during the post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda said next year’s commemorations would leave a lasting developmental legacy for the people of Mwenezi.
“The nation is informed that the 47th Independence Celebrations will be held on 18 April 2027 at Rutenga Growth Point in Mwenezi District, Masvingo Province, with Government implementing legacy projects that include completion of 13 stalled projects, 54 devolution projects, and new developments such as a 16 000-seater stadium with changing rooms and ablution facilities, 16 science laboratories, 39 satellite schools, solarised computer labs, rehabilitation of Liberation War Heritage Sites, construction of 10 houses for Veterans of the Liberation Struggle, and a Youth Service and Vocational Training Centre,” he said.
The move ensures that Government’s strategy of ensuring that national celebrations are no longer confined to major cities but instead become instruments for accelerating socio-economic transformation in rural and previously under-served communities.
Among the flagship projects is the construction of a 16 000-seater stadium, a development expected to significantly boost sporting infrastructure in the region while creating a venue capable of hosting major events.
The stadium project also comes at a time Zimbabwe has been striving to improve its sporting facilities after the country spent several years without a fully CAF-approved venue for senior international football, forcing the Warriors to play home matches outside the country.
Beyond the stadium, Government plans include the completion of 13 stalled projects and implementation of 54 devolution projects, together with the construction of 16 science laboratories, 39 satellite schools, solar-powered computer laboratories, rehabilitation of Liberation War Heritage Sites, and the building of 10 houses for veterans of the liberation struggle.
The package also includes establishment of a Youth Service and Vocational Training Centre, aimed at equipping young people with practical and entrepreneurial skills.
“Major road rehabilitation works are scheduled on the 150-kilometre Rutenga-Boli-Sango Road, the 45-kilometre Nqundu-Tanganda Road, and the 84.2-kilometre Rutenga-Zvishavane Road.
“Government will also complete the remaining sections of the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road spanning 34 kilometres, as well as 12 kilometres of the Makwi-Neshuro Road, further improving connectivity within Masvingo Province and neighbouring districts,” Dr Soda said.
To strengthen water security and rural livelihoods, he said Government, working through the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency and its partners, will drill 105 boreholes, install 40 pumps, establish 50 solar-powered water schemes, and carry out maintenance on 1 500 boreholes.
The latest investment package mirrors the development model adopted in recent years, where Independence celebrations have evolved beyond ceremonial events into vehicles for delivering tangible infrastructure and public services.
By taking the celebrations to Rutenga, Government is seeking to unlock the economic potential of Mwenezi District while ensuring communities in remote parts of the country benefit from investments that extend well beyond the Independence festivities.
New Ziana
