Cold weather and light drizzle on the morning of April 18, 2025, did not dampen the mood of participants during the Matebeleland South Provincial Independence Day Celebrations held in Plumtree Thousands of people from across the province thronged Plumtree High School grounds to witness Zimbabwe’s Independence Day celebrations.

The day kicked off with the arrival of Provincial Service Chiefs, shortly followed by the arrival of the guest of honour, Matebeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Albert Nguluvhe proceeded to inspect the parade comprising members from the Zimbabwe National Army, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Prisons, and Correctional Service.

Also in attendance were MP for Bulilima and Deputy Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Hon. Dingumuzi Phuthi; MP for Mangwe, Hon. Vincent Sihlabo; Minister of Industry and Commerce, Hon. Mangaliso Ndlovu; Bulilima and Mangwe districts’ heads of government departments; and various stakeholders. The traditional leadership from Bulilima and Mangwe was present, namely Chief Hikwa, Chief Tshitshi, and Chief Bango, as well as Headmen.

Speaking after inspecting the parade, Hon. Nguluvhe read the President’s Independence Day Speech on behalf of His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The President congratulated Zimbabweans on achieving 45 years of independence and applauded the country’s continuous sovereignty, freedom, peace, and development. He added that all achievements recorded since independence had been through hard work and unity, defying odds and breaking records successfully.

The President acknowledged some setbacks to national development due to climate change shocks, among other challenges. He emphasized that the 2nd Republic is working towards rural development and revitalization, delivering developments towards Vision 2030.

The President highlighted the success of ongoing projects like the Presidential Heifer, Piggery, and Goats Pass-on Schemes, which have greatly benefited youths, women, and war veterans, and noted that these initiatives will continue to be supported. He also mentioned that land will continue to be utilized, as the country anticipates a bumper harvest from the 2024/25 summer cropping season.

The day was punctuated by electrifying mass displays from the Uniformed Forces and Plumtree High School Drum Majorettes. Black Umfolosi, ZNA Band, and Thobekile entertained the crowd.

Participants who spoke to this news crew were ecstatic about witnessing a celebration of such magnitude in their own district. “I have always travelled to Gwanda to celebrate Independence Day, but today, even my grandchildren were able to witness the event at home,” said one participant from Izimnyama, Mangwe District.

Another Plumtree Town resident, Mr. Madodana Nkomo, applauded the government for setting out on the devolution path, which has seen the decentralization of national events. “We have always heard the government talking about devolution and leaving no place behind, and today we are glad to have been given the chance to host Independence Day celebrations in Plumtree.”