President applauds Zimbabwe for peace

By Melody Chimombe

MOUNT DARWIN – ZIMBABWEANS have been called to remain steadfast and focused towards building the nation.

In his Independence Day address to the nation, read on his behalf by Mt Darwin District Development Co-ordinator (DDC) White Nkoma, during the district Independence Day commemorations held in Mt Darwin on Thursday President Emmerson Mnangagwa described Zimbabwe as a country that was anchored on peace and unity, both cornerstones for sustainable development.

“I commend all the communities of our great nation for the prevailing peace, harmony and stable security situation throughout our country. In this enduring spirit, Zimbabwe is playing its part towards the realisation of peace and security in the SADC region, Africa, and beyond,” said President Mnangagwa.

The President also expressed his gratitude towards the sacrifices made by heroes and veterans of the liberation struggle. He urged Zimbabweans to continue honouring the gallant sons and daughters of the soil by memorialising the country’s historic sites and correctly documenting the nation’s rich liberation war history for both present and future generations.

Zimbabwe celebrated 44 years of self rule on April 18, a great milestone since 1980 when the country attained its freedom with the Zimbabwean flag being hoisted in place of the Union Jack representing the end of the white minority colonial rule. The Independence Day holiday is formally celebrated in Zimbabwe on April 18 every year at national, provincial and district levels.

The Uhuru national celebrations for this year ran under the theme Zim@44:Unity, Peace and Development Towards Vision 2030 and was held at Murambinda B Secondary School in Buhera District while the children’s party was held on April 17 at Murambinda A Primary School in the same Manicaland Province.

The theme is aligned with the Government’s decentralisation and devolution policies, Leaving No One and No Place behind and President Mnangagwas mantra Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo.

For Mount Darwin District, the Independence Day commemorations were held at Darwin High School and residents came in their great numbers to commemorate this special day.

Independence Day celebrations bring back nostalgic moments of where the nation came from and that this was a direct testimony the struggle the people of Zimbabwe endured to be finally free from the clutches of colonial rule.

Mt Darwin in Mashonaland Central Province is one the places that played a central part in the liberation struggle and is home to the Chibondo monument, site of mass graves of victims of the Rhodesian army.

The District is also known for hosting last year’s first rural celebrations and 43 rd National Independence Day Celebrations.

At the district and provincial commemorations members of the public were also entertained through music, sport and poetry keeping everyone on their toes.

A local gospel artist, Precious Makomo, provided entertainment, while Steven Kachigamba showed his oratory prowess in the poetry department.

Select teams from Mt Darwin Urban, Ruya, Ward 36 and a combined team from the Zimbabwe Republic Police and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services provided people with an explosive show in soccer.