Zimbabwe turns 33

THOUSANDS of Zimbabweans from all walks of life are today expected to converge at various centres to celebrate the country's 33rd Independence Day Anniversary.

The main event will be held at the National Sports Stadium in Harare where President Mugabe will deliver his speech and inspect a guard of honour.

Governors from the country's 10 provinces will read the President's speech and inspect a quarter guard at provincial celebrations across the country. The celebrations will cascade to districts where people will be gathered at different centres.

Political parties in the Inclusive Government yesterday urged the people of Zimbabwe to uphold the spirit of unity and desist from violence.

Zanu-PF spokesperson Cde Rugare Gumbo said as members of the public celebrate the attainment of independence, they should remember fallen heroes who delivered a free Zimbabwe from the Rhodesian colonial rule.

"As people celebrate 33 years of independence they must remember heroes who contributed to the liberation of this country," said Cde Gumbo.

He said members of the public should enjoy the day in a peaceful manner.

"This day is a day for everyone, it does not belong to any political party and people should go out in full force to celebrate this special day in our country's calendar also bearing in mind that some people who fought for this country are no longer with us," said Cde Gumbo.

MDC-T spokesperson Mr Douglas Mwonzora said Independence Day was a day to be cherished by all Zimbabweans.

"This is a day when this country successfully fought against white domination, it is a day that marks the success of the struggle by our people against oppression," said Mr Mwonzora.

He said the struggle for independence continues even beyond 1980.

"We should remind Zimbabweans that they must continue fighting all forms of oppression.

"This day is also a day to commit ourselves to a peaceful national process," said Mr Mwonzora.

MDC spokesperson Mr Nhlanhla Dube said Independence Day should remind the country that it was free from colonialism and imperialism.

"On this day we remember the efforts of our fathers and ancestors in liberating this country," said Mr Dube.

Provinces yesterday said they were ready for the event and were putting final touches to the preparations.

In Bulawayo, the provincial celebrations are set for White City Stadium while in Matabeleland South the venue is Pelandaba Stadium in Gwanda.

Somhlolo Stadium will host Matabeleland North celebrations in Lupane while Mkoba Stadium and Mucheke Stadium host the provincial events for Midlands and Masvingo provinces.

Different provinces last night held Governors' Balls to raise funds to assist the underprivileged in society.

Today, the Bulawayo programme will start with a march by drum majorettes and uniformed forces at 8am from D Square in Njube to White City Stadium.

The Bulawayo provincial administrator, Mrs Khonzani Ncube, said people will be transported to the venue by vehicles that have been provided by the Government and well wishers.

"The Bulawayo Public Transporters Association (Bupta) have provided us with kombis that we are going to fuel for the event. People are going to be picked up from the traditional pick-up points in all the 29 wards in the province.

"The Government and parastatals such as TelOne and NRZ have also provided buses that will ferry people to and from the stadium," said Mrs Ncube.

Governors for Matabeleland South and North provinces Angeline Masuku and Thokozile Mathuthu said all was set for the celebrations in their provinces.

They urged people from their provinces to be part of the celebrations, saying they signify another important milestone.