All roads lead to Misa for the 46th independence celebrations. This year's main independence celebrations are going to be in Mado at Misa Stadium on the 18th of April. These main celebrations will be preceded by a children's party at Mahescha Primary School on the 17th of April 2026. Independence gala at Minda High School from 1800 hours to 6 a.m. The following day, Mobo host the 46th independence celebrations. Come one, come all. Zet 46 unity and development towards vision 2030. This message has been brought to you by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.
This is the projects that have been done or that are underway. It currently says it all.
Yes. If we look at the projects that are a vision which was derived from NTS1 where we look at so many key projects that have been done. I would definitely start by the infrastructural development. If we look at Harare-Beitbridge highway, yes, which is about 580 km. This is done under NDS2 and it's now on 80 to 90% completion. We also look at Beitbridge post.
Which is Zimbabwe South Africa border post. It's one of the best border posts that has been seen in southern Africa. Those are all under NTS1 but being implemented in developmental stages at NTS2. We also look at the it used to be called Mudi interchange.
It has been renamed to Trabablas interchange.
Yes, that is a milestone. The very milestone development. It decongested the traffic. It gave the traffic, the motorist and the pedestrians ease of life, ease of traveling. Those are part of the developments that have been done under NTS1. We can also look at Shangani.
Yes. Why Shangani is not just a mere project. It's a mega project. Yes. So people should understand that it's not a project that can wake up being completed. It's a key infrastructure development. So it's also underway. Yes. And towards 2030 it means we would have reached the destiny. If it's completed, we again look at the airport we have Robert International Airport. It was uplifted to an international standard. In international standard we take with a great ambiance so that is also done under NTS1 under the second republic. Yes. So again it was also built under NTS2 under the second republic. Those are some of the projects that we can see and outline. We are currently looking at Mpilo Hospital which is underway. It's being renovated, refurbished to a modern day standard. It's under NTS2, vision 2030 under the second republic again. Mhm. Yes, indeed.
That is Klani Pu, Comrade Kumblani PFU, the secretary for mining and mining development in the Bulawayo province. Now we are going to be crossing over to Mandava to link up with Courage in the Midlands province.
Province and as you can see people are still coming in their numbers to the independence celebrations here in Mandava Stadium. Midlands minister of state for provincial affairs and devolution honorable will preside over the event and also the uniformed forces are expected to display various drills for the public and also there are various entertainment groups that have been lined up. We will give you more updates as the day progresses. Back to the studio.
It is a big thank you to Courage reporting live from Mandava Stadium in the Midlands province and of course we are going to be updating you throughout the course of the day with the celebrations that are happening across the country and I am still in the studio with comrade Klani Pu. Now there is a lot that is happening in Mapisa where the celebrations are being held this year. We've heard of the building of a brand new stadium which is bringing hope to the youths especially nowadays that a lot of our youth are falling to drug and substance abuse. What do you think about the development that has been brought to the area? Surely I'm sure the residents or the community at Mapisa they enjoy.
They enjoy, they enjoy me say that they enjoy because if you look at how that development in Mapisa has changed the whole scope of life there. Yes, if you go there the atmosphere on its own it's very much electrifying, very much hopeful, very much promising. We are looking at you have touched a very very important subject matter, fundamental key subject matter of drug and substance abuse. That stadium is surely going to change the life of the youth yes in terms of bringing life in terms of sporting activities. It's not only the stadium that is being given piece of life. There are key other infrastructural development that has been done. We are seeing Mahesha primary school and secondary school. Yes. It has been refurbished. It has been given life through the ministry of ICT. Yes. So laboratories, clinics, roads, infrastructure. So Mapisa on its own in Matobo district, it has changed and it has changed for good. The hope is high and the development will remain. It means even the youth the way they approach development, the way they approach their everyday life they see that supposed to tally with the development that has been done in Mapisa in Togo district.
Indeed amazing stuff. This is ZBC and of course a live broadcast as we celebrate 46 years of independence under the theme Zim at 46 unity and development towards vision 2030. Now let's take a look at these nationalist snippets.
It is essential that you and those against whom you fought should now come and work together. I know that a number of things happened during the war, very unpleasant things and we have always appealed all our friends, all our allies who would like to see this armed struggle succeed to really transmit the message to those people inside the country. Why they must understand what we are fighting for and what we... And neither the settler regime nor Britain heeded our cries. They just wouldn't move. They wouldn't yield an inch. And so we decided without any qualms about it that armed struggle would be the right thing.
Stay updated on our social media. We are at ZBC News online across all social media platforms and you can also send us your views and comments on Facebook using the hashtag Zim independence and also you can send us your messages, audios and videos on WhatsApp and let us know exactly what you think about this day and how you are celebrating it. Now this 46 is not just another ceremony. It is a reflection of a country that continues to chart its own course. A country that has endured pressure, overcome trials and risen time and again. Our independence was not handed to us on a silver platter. It was won through blood, sweat and tears. Comrade Morfu, pardon me. It's a lot of youngsters nowadays who do not understand the significance of independence. In your words, what would you like to share to the youth?
Yeah. What I would like to tell the youths is that the independence didn't come in a silver plate. Yeah. The independence was fought for and if you look at those that fought for Zimbabwe to be a sovereign state. They were on their youthful ages. They were on their youthful ages, their tender ages. By so doing, I'm urging the youth of today to take this day as a very serious day to not take this day lightly because this is the day when our former freedom fighters fought for their independence at their ages. Some were even very very young. So the youth of today should know that this independence was not or is not meant for the war veterans of the liberation struggle. It is meant for them because when they went to war they were still youthful. They were still teenagers. They were fighting for their freedom. They were fighting for their sovereignty. They were fighting for their country. So this day belongs to the youth. Yes. So the legacy should be taken seriously in terms of independence. So the youths across the board they should understand how important this day it is to them. That's why you see that our head of state and the president is spearheading the youths which are towards the projects which are towards the interest of the youth starting from the children party, opening the vocational training center there. It's all done in the name of uplifting the youth and showing that this day belongs to the youth across the country, across the board, across all political divide. Yes. Yes.
Indeed. There you have it. That is comrade Kulani Pu and we was discussing the significance of independence and it's a big thank you and of course we can't have the conversations by ourselves in the studio. Let's find out what the general public thinks of Zim at 46.
Current affairs. Your window into Zimbabwe, where the world meets Zimbabwe. Join us for unscripted live events, state functions, parliamentary debates, independence, heroes, and defense forces celebrations, and many more. We are committed to telling the unbiased Zimbabwean story, giving you unfettered access to the latest news and developments shaping our nation. From the streets of Harare to the world stage, Current Affairs brings you the stories that matter most to Zimbabweans. Don't miss out on our in-depth coverage of local and international issues, expert analysis, and thought-provoking discussions. ZBC Current Affairs, where the world meets Zimbabwe. Stay informed, stay engaged.
Welcome back. Zimbabwe is celebrating 46 years of independence under the theme at 46 unity and development towards vision 2030. And you just heard there from the general public what they think of the day and what significance it has in their lives. And now besides the people on the streets, there are the people who are not able to participate as far as videos and all that is concerned. But you can follow us on social media. We are at ZBC News online across all social media platforms. Now I have with me in the studio our legal expert, Nigwe. Very good morning to you and welcome.
Good morning thank you for having me.
And then now what does independence symbolize for women in our country today.
Yeah that's a very great period that we have transitioned from since 1980. So it signifies a lot of things, liberation to us. Remember before independence during the colonial times a woman was viewed as a child. So now we have that liberty to actually make our own health decisions, our own education decisions, our own economic investment decisions without having to be a minor so to speak or to be regarded as a minor. Having to consult someone about decisions that are fundamental to us as women. We're able to stand on our own and make those particular decisions.
Right? Yeah. It's so very refreshing to see so many women take part in that decision making situations. How have women's roles evolved since independence and what challenges do they face?
Yeah, since independence so many changes that we have seen especially in leadership, in administration, in participation in political circles. So it has really been a period of transition from providing care work. Remember women were we literally relegated to care work in the family taking care of everyone and forgetting ourselves. So now it has transitioned to being able to participate in those administrative posts in administrative and political circles and being able to contribute towards the economic development of the country.
Now how do you see the progress of women's rights influencing the future of Zimbabwe?
Yeah, women you know we are very particular. We pay particular attention to detail. So going forward women we are able to occupy those spaces and able to bring development. We concentrate when we occupy those spaces. So as we move forward we look forward to women really empowering ourselves not just because of our anatomy but making a meaningful contribution towards the development of the nation.
Mhm. And how can we because at the end of the day we have to always think about the youth but how can young people be encouraged to take on leadership roles in our communities.
Yes. It's all about social inclusion right, bringing in the youth to show them, walk the path with them. Empower them. Educate the youth and let's not leave them behind. Let's make them participate in leadership roles. Make them run these projects that we want to see happen. You know, peer-to-peer education. Let the youth empower each other and encourage themselves to leave these challenges that they are facing. It's the world of we are struggling with drugs and all the indiscipline amongst the youth. Let's make them see the value of actually contributing positively towards the country.
Now what message do you have for women who aspire to be in leadership positions and build their communities as well as the nation?
Yeah. I just want to say to fellow women the independence continues. It's not just an achievement that we should just say we have achieved independence and we stop there. Going forward, it's all up to us to take up those positions, to empower ourselves, to stand up to the challenges, to stand up to the situations and say we are going to be the solution providers for the challenges that we face in Zimbabwe and to see to it that we be the best in terms of providing answers to the Zimbabwe that we want to see, to the lives that we want to live, to the sophistication and attention to detail that we want to see in our lives.
Indeed, we shall be crossing over to Mapisa in Matobo where the main independence celebrations are being held this year. In the meantime, let's cross over to Funga Jaji who's on standby in Masvingo at Gibbo Stadium.
The day of celebrations is finally here with the people of Masvingo Province gathering here at Gibbo Stadium where the provincial celebrations are taking place. And I tell you that already the atmosphere in the stadium is already electric as people are excited to be celebrating 46 years of independence. And with me is this lady who has come with her family to the independence celebrations. We want to just find out from her why she decided to come this early to the celebrations.
The people of Masvingo come from far and wide. Some people have come from other districts to come here in Chiredzi to celebrate together as the family of Masvingo at these 46 independent celebrations. We will be giving you more updates of what will be happening here at Gibbo Stadium. It's back to you guys.
You are still watching ZBC as we celebrate 46 years of independence and my guest is still in the studio. Now as I was chatting to Nigwe earlier on we were talking about how there is a lot of education and empowerment talk regarding the girl child. What about the boy child? Shouldn't the two be balanced seeing as the future will include both the girl child and the boy child?
Very interesting question. You are right. There is so much that we need to balance. Especially if you look at the gender imbalance and the gender based violence that we are facing in the country, there's a lot of violence happening and you're asking yourself who's the perpetrator. Three quarters of the time you find it's the male figure that is the perpetrator. And the question that comes in is where are we missing it as a country? So where we are missing it is empowering the boy child. Yes. Trying to bring up and balance the equation. We've placed so much emphasis on the girl child to an extent that there is no equality when it comes to balancing the interest or there's no husband to that girl child or woman that you are bringing up. Right? So you find this girl is so empowered and it is at this high level and the boys are so left behind that then it causes chaos there. It will. So then we need to change the way the boys see the girl child and feel as equals or as balanced or as the men that we want to see in our community. So we really need as a nation to up our game or we need to appeal our men out there and say how do we bring up the boy child to an extent that they can shun drugs, they can be the fathers of tomorrow, they can be the leadership of tomorrow that can take up the baton and move forward with nation building.
Thank you Nigwe, our legal expert on issues to do with women and development in our country. Now, as we promised you guys, we're going to be giving you updates from across the country's provinces as to the celebrations of this year's independence. For now, let's go to Manicaland.
And we will be giving you more updates as the day progresses.
I'm still with our legal expert. Now to all the women out there, what message do you have?
Right. To the women out there is let's not live defeated lives and let's not be begging for favors because of our anatomy. Being a woman doesn't mean incapability. We are very much able to take those leadership positions, to take up those political spaces, to occupy those business positions or spaces and bring towards the development in the nation to groom the world to change the world so to speak to the solution providers. We are able to actually do that and do it perfectly. Mhm. And there is nothing that makes you less of a human being just because you are a woman. You can achieve and Zimbabwe provides that platform.
And of course for those of you who are mobile, you can catch us on social media. We are at ZBC News online across all social media platforms. And you can send us your views and comments on Facebook using the hashtag Zim independence. And on WhatsApp, of course, you can send us your videos, your audios. And we still want to know how you guys are celebrating independence and also what independence day means to you. We shall be crossing over to Mapisa where the main celebrations are being held this year under the theme of Zim at 46 of unity and development towards vision 2030. This year the celebrations are being held in Matobo. There are a lot of women out there who are incapacitated simply by being in that area and we have seen the second republic bring about an amazing level of development. What do you think the women from regions like that can do to be a part of the growth trajectory of the NDS1 and NDS2?
Yeah. We have a duty as women not to just be cry babies and actually take up the challenge. What I have seen, I've been to Mapisa, it's my rural home. What I have seen there is there's a lot of mining activities that are going there. And you ask yourself, how many women actually own these mines? Yeah. What does it take for me to actually partake out of this economic development? So you find this is what independence brings to us. I'm able to approach the ministry of mines and say walk the path with me and let me also partake in the economic development by contributing in the mining sector by owning the mine by providing the employment that we all want to see. So there's no challenge being a woman and just saying I'm going to sit here and wait for freebies. Let's get married. No, marriage is not the answer. You need to stand up for yourself and have your own personal principles, development principles that mold you, bring you up and you contribute towards the economic development of the country.
Mhm. Yes. There was a conversation earlier about teenage pregnancies and how society looks upon that teenager with a child after she gives birth.
Yes. Those are the challenges that we have seen as well. I don't know what's happening to our generations but as girl children out there we need to arise and shine right? Yes we have been given the tools to actually bring about babies but let that not be a hindrance, let it be a natural solution to nature but let it not be a hindrance to your own development to your own empowerment. You can still have babies when the right time comes. So what I encourage and challenge everyone out there is to give the girl child a chance. Let's not see them as sex toys but let's see them as partakers as stakeholders in the development of the nation who can actually do it and do it better than anyone else. So we need to focus as young people, focus on your future, focus on actually occupying these spaces. Not only occupying them for the sake of occupying but bringing the change that we all want to see. This Zimbabwe that we want to see should be molded by you and me. We all have a duty to actually contribute.
All right. Now, in layman's terms, I'm sure there's a lot of young women out there who are listening in and also watching. As far as the second republic is concerned today, what opportunities are there for women and the girl child in Zimbabwe?
Right? Why? There is still room for improvement in terms of opportunities that we are talking about. If you look at an area like Matobo, it can be so dry. It can be so quiet in terms of development opportunities, activities that can be available for the youngsters. We need to open up these spaces to encourage our children to participate, to actually apply for these posts. Go and get educated. Go and get tertiary education. Get a training. What is it that you are good at? Discover yourself. Don't wait for someone to come and tell you what to do. So, we need to take up the initiative. Even as a young person, be inspired instead of using that data and those little resources around you for wrong things. You can actually use them to the positive to develop yourself and empower those around you.
Indeed. Thank you so very much. And of course we promise you guys that we are going to be taking a look at the progression of the celebrations across the country. And now we are going to link up with Kudzai's Chief Wu Mqo Mashenda in the province of Matabeleland North.
Good morning. People have begun arriving at Chinotimba Stadium in Victoria Falls for the national Matabeleland North Provincial Independence Day celebrations. The atmosphere is already electric with crowds gathering in anticipation of a vibrant and memorable event. Let's start with the locals to find out about their anticipation for the day and the decision to host the provincial celebrations here.
You have read it for yourself. This is the level of excitement here ahead of the provincial celebrations. This year's celebrations have been taken to Victoria Falls after being hosted in Hwange last year. Many are looking forward to the entertainment lineup which will likely be provided by the uniformed forces drawing strong community interests. In a show of regional solidarity, a delegation from Mashonaland West province led by provincial secretary of state Mrs. Christina Mafume will be part of the commemorations. Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate will lead today's proceedings. More updates will follow as the celebrations unfold.
It seems that it is already happening in Victoria Falls and the celebrations are in full swing and we will continue to give you updates from across the country in all provinces. Now to summarize this conversation that I'm currently having with Nigwe our legal expert here in the studio, what economic opportunities are available in Zimbabwe as far as development is concerned because we cannot continue to have this conversation about development without talking about economic opportunities.
Yes, you note that we have got our legal instruments in place. All right. Our government currently has been working on ease of doing business of which we are praying that it opens up to all the spaces ease of doing business in all the spheres right so you find the law is in place for us to explore right as citizens of the country to actually identify those business opportunities. What is it that I'm good at? What does the law say? What are the policies that the government has put in place? I'll give you an example of the agricultural sector currently right we need to disseminate that information to say these are the goods that you can import as a farmer or as a person interested in agriculture to actually bring about development in the country. There is so many instruments that have been gazetted which are not known out there. True. So the law is in place the policies are in place it's for us to explore. It's for us to know. It's for us to disseminate the information to the public so that it benefits everyone so that no one is left behind.
Indeed. Thank you so very much for that elaborate explanation. And to those with ears, I'm sure you have heard and of course knowledge will go to those that seek it. We now cross over to Manicaland where Gay Matambo is on standby to give us another update.
Good morning. Thank you. We are coming to you live from Gaza Stadium in Chipinge district where the independence celebrations for Manicaland province are going to be held. As you can see the people of Chipinge are starting to trickle in for these celebrations which have come to their doorstep. This follows government's decentralization policy which allows districts and other provinces to hold these celebrations and as we may note that the national event is being held in Mapisa in Matobo North province and the same goes to the provincial celebrations which are being decentralized to other districts in Manicaland province. And maybe what we are expecting today at Gaza Stadium we're expecting the public to be entertained by displays from the Zimbabwe Defense Forces and traditional local groups which are going to entertain the crowd through traditional dances. And we are also going to see local musicians perform at these celebrations. Later on, we're going to witness a soccer match between Buffalo FC and Chipinge Select. And also maybe what is key to note is the minister of state for Manicaland provincial affairs and devolution Advocate Mishek Mugata is also going to deliver President Emmerson Mnangagwa's speech at these celebrations. Well that is all we have for you for now. It is back to you at the studio.
Thank you Gay. And of course you can see there preparations are at an advanced stage especially for the entertainers. And do not forget that there's going to be a gala to top up this year's celebrations. And of course also there's going to be a clash between Highlanders and Scotland for soccer fans. It is happening in Mapisa. We'll be back with more updates from across all provinces. Now finally Nigwe, the theme this year is at 46 unity and development towards vision 2030. What does that say to you?
Yeah, that's it's a challenge to all of us, right? To focus on development. Yes, we are living in the post independence era and we should not stop there. Development continues. There's a lot that we want to see happen in our country. There's a lot of development that we can do. There's a lot of economic development that we want to see and me and you have to partake and we have to make our contribution to the country. There's a lot to talk about in terms of development. As the saying goes, united we stand, divided we fall. As Zimbabweans, we need to unite and fix all the problems that we have internally and empower all our people to actually develop themselves economically to an extent that bread and butter issues should not be a problem or should cease to be a problem and we focus on further development so that our lives can be changed so that our lives can be improved.
Indeed. Growth is the language that's being spoken around this part and of course vision 2030 is upon us and the celebrations and more peace already making shape and of course the heavens have opened up it's really blessed imagine it's independence day and we are receiving rains and as you can see there our guest the former minister of course the former minister of tourism and the environment is also out there in the rain. The flag is green and it's going to be a lovely day indeed. We are as you see and you currently are watching a live update right now right here as the blessings continue to follow Zimbabwe on this very special day 46 Independence Day celebrations and yeah to my guest right here you something very interesting regarding the girl child and I believe that conversation has been had over and over and over again and I would have to apologize for asking this question again. For the girl child in Zimbabwe, what opportunities are there?
Yeah, for the girl child the opportunities that I can speak about is first things first the education. You know the ground has been leveled to such an extent that as a girl child even if the mistake of getting pregnant as a child law allows you to go to school and finish your school so that you get empowered and you empower your peers the child right moving further from there education is not only for boys also for you the girls going forward leadership positions are awaiting you as a young woman, you have that right to actually be a leader in your community, right? All that you have to do is to have qualifications and do the work. So economic wise you are able to establish that business as a girl child follow your passions, get mentored in the area that you feel you have got an area of interest. Let those who have walked the path before walk with you for your own development, for your own experience, to your own advantage. So there is a lot lined up in terms of the spaces being open also for the girl child even though there are so many disadvantages that you face as a girl child but you can overcome those.
And also I like the fact that you mentioned education as opportunity. I'm sure people out there a lot of youngsters out there do not really get that education is an opportunity.
Yes. Opportunities are there. You look at primary education for free, right? Yes. There are so many limitations in terms of economic limitations that we actually face for it not to be totally free but I think it's affordable to most and all so should make sure and encourage parents that all the children should actually have primary education and move to the next level to secondary education right and we don't stop there. Yes. Let the children go to tertiary education let the children learn skills. You need to empower them. They need to know how things are done. We can't be giving them sugar and sweet every day and not teaching them how to make those products. True. They can actually benefit economically from there. They can actually develop their minds from the skills that they learn through.
Indeed. Nigwe. I'm in the studio with the legal expert on the 18th of April 2026 as we celebrate independence in our country and the main celebrations that are happening in Mapisa and Matobo and where the party is going to be as in the words of the youngsters. Take a look at the beats of Zimbabwe.
All roads lead to Mapisa for the 46th independence celebrations. This year's main independence celebrations are going to be in Matobo at Mapisa Stadium on the 18th of April. These main celebrations will be preceded by a children's party at Mahesha Primary School on the 17th of April 2026. Independence Gala at Minda High School from 1800 hours to 6 a.m. The following day, Matobo host the 46th independence celebrations. Come one, come all. Zim at 46, unity and development towards vision 2030. This message has been brought to you by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.
It's not a new term. Yeah. Yeah. But a continuation of progress. So Zimbabwe. Yeah. Yeah. Let us build our Zimbabwe. Forward again. Forward again. Politics. Not a new term. Just progress. Forward again. Future. Not just progress we handling. This constitution belongs to the people we can amend it make the system more. Time for development, less campaign noise. Building the nation, giving hope to the boys. Seven year cycle. Give time to complete roads and the schools make the country compete. Less money wasted on elections again. Put it in progress. Invest in the land. Forward again. Forward again. Not a new term. Just progress. Forward again.
It's a very good morning to you and welcome back. We now cross over to Pockets Hill Studios where Ian Bombay is on standby.
We will be linking up with Ian Bombay who is at Pockets Hill Pockets Studios and of course he is on standby. I'm still with my guest here in the studio and before I go back to my guest, we are so privileged that we have this rainfall today on Independence Day and I am told that the Victoria Falls is quite a spectacle thanks to the significant rainfalls that we received this year. As a legal expert and a woman, what challenges have you faced in your field?
Yeah, there's a lot that I have gone through. It's a long story that can run a whole day. But the fact that you're a woman in the legal field, you face challenges like anyone believing you with their story and anyone entrusting you to actually provide a legal solution to it with confidence, with power, with the punch that our male counterparts actually can provide. So you are hardly believed in as a woman. It's very difficult for people to believe in your capabilities. So you find you are undermined in so many spheres and you have to prove the point in some circles that I'm able to do as much as the male counterpart can provide. Yes. And I can run the business just like anyone else normally and without faltering. So it's a double effort so to speak if not a triple effort that as a woman you have to put for you to be believed in to be listened to and to be trusted in as much as our colleagues are.
Mhm. And of course this year observation of yours is it something that you noticed now that you are an expert practicing in the field or it's something that you saw from grassroots levels? Is it a societal ill or it's a situational problem?
