Antony Chawagarira
Harare-The Government has announced that Masvingo Province will host Zimbabwe’s 47th Independence Anniversary Celebrations in 2027 as the country continues implementing its decentralised rotational hosting programme for national events.
The announcement was made during Tuesday’s Post-Cabinet Briefing, where Cabinet also approved a long-term hosting schedule for the annual commemorations up to 2035.According to the programme, Matabeleland North Province will host the 2028 celebrations, followed by Mashonaland East in 2029, Mashonaland West in 2030, Harare Metropolitan in 2031, Bulawayo Metropolitan in 2032, Mashonaland Central in 2033, Manicaland in 2034 and Midlands Province in 2035.
The rotational hosting model was introduced by Government as part of broader efforts to decentralise major national events and ensure that all provinces benefit from infrastructure development, economic activity and tourism associated with hosting the country’s biggest commemorative gatherings.Since the adoption of the programme, Independence Day celebrations have increasingly been taken beyond the traditional venues in Harare and Bulawayo, with provinces being given opportunities to showcase their culture, heritage, investment potential and developmental progress.
Government says the decentralisation drive is also meant to promote national unity and inclusive development by ensuring that no province is left behind in hosting key national occasions.Hosting the Independence celebrations often triggers major rehabilitation and upgrading of infrastructure such as roads, stadiums, health facilities, accommodation centres and communication networks in the selected province.
The events also provide business opportunities for local communities through increased demand for transport, catering, hospitality, arts, crafts and tourism services.Masvingo’s selection for the 2027 celebrations is expected to place the province in the national spotlight, with preparations likely to include improvements to public infrastructure and facilities ahead of the commemorations.
The province is home to the historic Great Zimbabwe National Monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that symbolises the country’s rich liberation history and cultural identity, making it a significant venue for national celebrations.
Zimbabwe marks Independence Day every year on April 18 in remembrance of the country’s attainment of majority rule in 1980 following the liberation struggle.
