No party regalia at Independence celebrations

THE three political parties in the inclusive Government, Zanu-PF and the two MDC formations, yesterday implored all Zimbabweans to attend today's Independence Day celebrations at various venues across the country.

They agreed that their supporters will not put on party regalia.

The main celebrations will be held at the National Sports Stadium in Harare where President Robert Mugabe will deliver the keynote address.

His speech will also be read at all provincial celebrations by the respective Governors and Resident Ministers.

MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai yesterday said it was important to honour gallant fighters who perished in their quest to liberate Zimbabwe.

He, however, said his party will attend the celebrations under protest over the theme on economic empowerment.

The party is on record opposing the indeginisation and economic empowerment programme.

The theme for this year's independence celebrations is "Indigenisation and Empowerment for Social and Economic Transformation."

Mr Tsvangirai said his party protested against the theme in Cabinet last week.

MDC president, Professor Welshman Ncube, said it was obligatory for all Zimbabweans to attend Independence Day celebrations.