The government has defended its decision to host Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence Day celebrations in Maphisa, Matobo District, Matabeleland South, dismissing claims that the venue is insensitive given its proximity to Bhalagwe, a site associated with the 1980s Gukurahundi atrocities. The celebrations, scheduled for 18 April 2026 and expected to be officiated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, have drawn criticism from activists, survivors and opposition figures, who argue that holding national festivities near a former detention and mass killing site is premature in the absence of truth, justice and accountability. Government officials say the choice of Maphisa reflects a policy of decentralising national events and making sure that development reaches all parts of the country, including historically marginalised regions.
Preparations are reportedly progressing steadily, with government officials citing infrastructure development and legacy projects ahead of the national event, marking a rare moment for Matabeleland South to host a national event of this scale. However, activities maintain that the festivities are deeply insensitive in the absence of truth, justice and accountability since Bhalagwe is synonymous with mass killings in the 1980s and one of the areas which bore the brunt of Fifth Brigade operations during Gukurahundi. The Fifth Brigade ran a detention and torture camp in Bhalagwe, where thousands of civilians were detained, tortured, killed and others dumped in disused mine shafts.
As part of preparations for the Independence celebrations, the government is reportedly constructing 40 science laboratories at secondary schools across Matabeleland South Province. Authorities have described the laboratories as legacy projects intended to strengthen science education long after the celebrations have ended. Government officials say hosting Independence Day in Maphisa is meant to embed development within the area’s historical and cultural context, while affirming the inclusion of marginalised regions in national life.
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However, activists argue that while decentralisation is not inherently problematic, doing so in a community still scarred by unresolved atrocities raises moral, spiritual and political concerns. “Instead of acknowledging and seeking justice for the victims, the State wants to preside over celebrations in an area that still houses marginalised survivors robbed of their dignity,” said Freedom Alliance youth leader Calvin Wiseman Dube during arecent memorandum of understanding signing ceremonyinvolving five political groups in Matabeleland. Dube said Gukurahundi remains a restricted and sensitive subject, despite official claims that communities are now free to discuss it.
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