By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
A total of 17 buses are expected to depart from Beitbridge District this evening en route to Maphisa for Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence Day celebrations scheduled for Saturday, April 18.
Speaking to Ziyah News Network, the ZANU PF District Coordinating Committee (DCC) Secretariat for Transport and Social Welfare Steven Stubbs confirmed that preparations are complete, with all buses set to leave the border town at exactly 8:00 PM.
He said some buses had already been dispatched to various rural areas across Beitbridge District.
These buses are currently mobilizing passengers and are expected to converge with those in the urban center before the coordinated departure.
“We have made adequate transport arrangements to ensure that people from both urban and rural areas can attend the national celebrations. All buses will depart simultaneously at 8 PM to ensure a smooth journey to Maphisa,” he said.
He confirmed that all passengers will be picked up from the party offices in Beitbridge, which have been designated as the central departure point for the trip.
The initiative reflects a strong turnout from Beitbridge, as citizens prepare to join thousands of others from across the country in commemorating Zimbabwe’s independence.
The annual event is expected to draw significant crowds, with cultural performances, speeches, and national pride on full display.
Authorities have encouraged passengers to arrive on time and cooperate with transport coordinators to ensure an orderly departure.
Zimbabwe Independence celebrations this year are being hosted by !atabeleland South Province with the Maphisa Growth Point being the venue.
Since 2021, Zimbabwe has adopted a rotational hosting policy for its annual Independence Day celebrations (April 18) to decentralize national events, promote inclusivity, and drive infrastructure development across all 10 provinces.
This policy, introduced under the Second Republic, moves the main celebration away from the capital, Harare, to bring development to rural areas and smaller towns.