Gwanda-Maphisa route to boost crime response and 2026 Uhuru attendance

The Zimbabwean government, through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, has intensified efforts to complete the Gwanda-Maphisa-Mphoengs route, a strategic road project aimed at enhancing security, mobility, and economic inclusion for previously marginalised communities in Matabeleland South.

The route is also expected to play a critical role in facilitating access to the venue of the 2026 Independence Day (Uhuru) celebrations, which will be hosted in Maphisa.

Speaking during a media tour, Deputy Minister of Transport Joshua Sacco and Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs Minister Albert Nguluvhe underscored the importance of the road in improving attendance and accessibility.

"Since you know that Maphisa has been declared as the next host of the national Independence (Uhuru) Day celebrations, the establishment of this route will enhance accessibility and convenience with consistency to all previously marginalised communities. The attendance for those celebrations would therefore be multiplied since this route has shortened distance to the main venue," Nguluvhe said.

He added that the corridor, which spans key agricultural and mining zones, will improve trade logistics and market access.

"The areas stretching from Gwanda, Maphisa, up to Mphoengs are also dominated with mining and livestock rearing activities. This makes it convenient to transport produce to the market and enables trade consistency and ease of deliveries."



Nguluvhe also highlighted the road's role in improving law enforcement capabilities.

"With a series of cases related to stock theft, robberies, among other criminal elements which were impeded by inaccessibility to some remote areas, the new route will also aid law enforcement agencies in combating crimes through enhanced accessibility and response capabilities."

Deputy Minister Sacco echoed the urgency of completing the road before April 2026.

"We will closely monitor the pace used to complete construction of this route since it leads to next year's venue for Independence Day celebrations. We therefore expect that by end of March next year, those who will be contracted should speed up to finish prior to the main national event. Improved road infrastructure will enable quicker response times by security forces, contributing to safer communities and reduced crimes."

Sacco also announced ambitious plans to accelerate the project, describing it as a gateway to economic transformation in the province.

"The Gwanda–Maphisa route will unlock economic potential in Matabeleland South by improving access to markets, boosting trade and fostering economic integration between Zimbabwe and neighboring Botswana."

"This route also facilitates efficient movement of goods and people, which is vital for economic growth and regional integration."

Both ministers noted that the road will empower artisanal miners and farmers, enabling faster delivery of produce and supporting local entrepreneurship.

"This road will ensure fast and efficient delivery of mining produce and agricultural goods to markets, empowering local entrepreneurs and boosting livelihoods. It enables artisanal miners to transport their produce swiftly and safely, contributing to local economic development and poverty reduction," Sacco said.

Nguluvhe added that the route holds immense potential for cross-border trade.

"By enhancing cross-border connectivity, the Gwanda–Maphisa road will unlock new trade opportunities, fostering economic ties and benefiting businesses on both sides of the border."

Matabeleland South's strategic location - sharing borders with Botswana and South Africa - positions it as a vital gateway for regional commerce and integration.