Director of Ceremonies and Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. J. G. Moyo;
The First Lady, Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa;
Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, Hon. Gen. (Rtd) Dr C. G. D. N. Chiwenga;
Second Secretary and Vice President of ZANU PF, Col. (Rtd) K. C. D. Mohadi;
Former Vice President, Cde Dr J. T. R. Mujuru;
Chairman of ZANU PF and Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, Hon. O. C. Z. Muchinguri-Kashiri;
Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Province, Hon. Sen. M. Mavunga;
Members of the ZANU PF Central Committee and Politburo;
Leaders of other Political Parties;
Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Advocate J. F. Mudenda;
President of the Senate, Hon. M. Chinomona;
The Chief Justice, Hon. L. Malaba;
Honourable Ministers;
Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr M. J. M. Sibanda;
Chairman of the Public Service Commission, Dr V. Hungwe;
Commander, Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Gen. P. V. Sibanda;
Service Chiefs;
Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Madzimambo Edu/Izinduna Zethu and Religious Leaders;
Senior Government Officials;
Veterans of the Liberation Struggle;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Comrades and Friends;
Fellow Countrymen and Women. It is my distinct honour and privilege to be addressing the nation on the occasion of our country’s 43rd Independence Day Celebrations here in Mount Darwin, Mashonaland Central Province. The venue befits the occasion, as it sits on what became one of the epicentres of the Second Chimurenga.
Being the first independence celebrations to be held in a rural province, this year’s event serves as a jubilant statement and symbol of honour to the many sons and daughters of Zimbabwe who fought for our liberation, who were drawn fromevery village of our country.