Maphisa, (New Ziana) — The skies above Maphisa Stadium in Matobo district may have opened to heavy rains on Saturday morning, but this failed to dampen the mood and hearts of thousands of locals and others from across the country gathering to celebrate the country’s 46th Uhuru day, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and other top government officials.
Instead, the celebrations turned into a vibrant and electrifying atmosphere, punctuated by song and dance as preparations for the main address by President Mnangagwa got underway.
From early morning, streams of people from the district and beyond  wrapped in raincoats, plastic sheets and the national flag made their way into the stadium, their determination defying the persistent drizzle.
By midday, the terraces were filled to capacity, the ground packed to the brim as the community gathered for what many described as a historic first.
Some had to follow proceedings from outside the stadium as there was no space inside.
A defining moment came when the Independence Flame arrived escorted by a  police motorcade, youths, war veterans and uniformed forces while sirens cut through the rain.
Richard Ndarama, a renowned cricketer, was given the responsibility to carry the torch and handed it over to the President Mnangagwa who lit it.
The symbolic relay ignited more than just the flame but lit up the spirit of unity, continuity and hope among the people.
“When that torch came in, I felt goosebumps. It was powerful as it reminded us of where we come from and where we are going as a nation. This day will remain in our hearts forever,” said Nkosilathi Dube from Kezi.
Excitement reached fever pitch when the sound of helicopter rotor blades sliced through the rain-heavy skies.
Heads tilted upward as the Presidential helicopter descended toward the stadium, stirring a wave of cheers, whistles and ululations from the soaked but jubilant crowd.
As it touched down, people surged to their feet, waving flags and chanting, their voices rising above the hum of the engine.
“We have never witnessed something like this here. Seeing the President arrive in person, in our own community, is something we will tell our children. This day will remain in our hearts forever,” said Chris Nkomo from Kezi.
Thandeka Moyo said the dramatic arrival added a sense of importance to the occasion.
“When the helicopter came in, we forgot about the rain. Everyone was cheering, everyone was smiling. It showed us that we matter too as a community,” she said.
The highlight of the day was a colourful military parade that cut through the grey skies with precision, pride and pageantry.
Uniformed forces marched in perfect sync, with President Mnangagwa inspecting the parade mounted by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services, the Zimbabwe National Army and the Air Force of Zimbabwe, drawing cheers from the crowd, while traditional dance troupes and school children added bursts of colour and rhythm to the proceedings.
For many in Maphisa and the wider Matobo area, the celebrations carried a deeper meaning as it was the first time a national event had been held in their region.
“This is something we have never seen before in our lives. Despite the rain, we came in our numbers because this day means everything to us. It will remain in our hearts forever,” said a local resident.
Thandeka Moyo from Matobo echoed the sentiment, saying the weather only strengthened their resolve to celebrate.
“Nothing could keep us away. We feel honoured as a community. Hosting Independence Day (celebrations) here shows that we are part of this country’s story. Today will never be forgotten,” she said.
Children waved flags enthusiastically, some climbing onto makeshift vantage points for a better view, while elders sat proudly, watching history unfold in their backyard.
“This is unity. You can see it in the people young and old together, celebrating as one. Even the rain could not divide us. Instead, it brought us closer,” said Bruce Mhlanga, aged 45.
The newly constructed stadium which stands as a symbol of development in the district, proved its worth as it accommodated the massive turnout, marking a significant milestone for infrastructure growth in the area.
New Ziana
