By Admire Chitsungo
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on Zimbabweans to remain united and resilient as the country marked its 46th Independence Anniversary, with his address read on his behalf during district celebrations.
The commemorations were held at Neuso Primary School under the theme “Zim@46 – Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030”, in line with the Government’s decentralisation policy.
Sanyati District Development Coordinator Amigo Mhlanga read the President’s speech, which described Independence Day as a reminder of the sacrifices made by liberation fighters.
“Today marks another historic milestone as we celebrate our 46th Independence Anniversary,” said President Mnangagwa speech. “The struggle for independence was executed by all Zimbabweans who transcended ethnic and regional lines.”
The President paid tribute to nationalist leaders, including the late former Vice President Joshua Nkomo and said their legacy continues to inspire the nation.
He said the economy was on a recovery path, citing foreign currency reserves of over US$1.2 billion, declining inflation, and increased inflows driven by exports and diaspora remittances.
On agriculture, he said the 2024/2025 summer cropping season produced 2.4 million tonnes of maize, exceeding national requirements, while wheat output also improved. He acknowledged climate-related challenges, including floods and dry spells, but said Government interventions were in place to ensure food security.
“Government has put in place interventions to ensure that no one and no region will starve,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said the mining sector was projected to grow by 6.3 percent in 2026, with a focus on value addition, particularly in lithium.
He also highlighted infrastructure development, including road rehabilitation and border post upgrades, as key to economic growth.
President Mnangagwa urged collective action against drug and substance abuse and condemned the circulation of graphic road accident images on social media.
He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to youth empowerment, health and education and reiterated Zimbabwe’s foreign policy stance of being a “friend to all and enemy to none”.
“No one else will build our country for us. That duty lies with us all,” he said.
Meanwhile, Miners4ED representative Dumisani Moyo said Government policies had supported growth in the mining sector.
Sanyati Rural District Council chairperson Stanford Chaombezvi said decentralised Independence celebrations reflected the impact of devolution programmes, including borehole drilling, village business units and agricultural input schemes.
The event was marked by calls for unity and continued commitment to national development.
