Maphisa residents say the holding of the 2026 Independence Day celebrations at the growth point must translate into tangible development instead of the event being a symbolic gesture.
The 46th anniversary celebrations are expected to bring a series of infrastructural upgrades, including the long-awaited rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Maphisa and Gwanda–Maphisa roads.
Information minister Jenfran Muswere told a post Cabinet briefing last week that the roadworks will extend to the Mpoengs border post with Botswana to promote regional connectivity and economic growth.
However, local voices expressed mixed feelings over the developments.
Mncedisi Mavuso Tshabalala, a resident of Johanna MaFuyana Township, said while many in the community feel honoured by the selection, others are sceptical about whether it will bring tangible improvements.
“When this news reached us, there were mixed reactions,” Tshabalala said.
“Some feel there is little to celebrate when our daily reality is hardship — poor roads, inadequate clinics and schools, no refuse collection, and limited service delivery.
“Some even say: ‘We are not yet independent.’”
- Economic lessons from USSR: Is Zim about to create land oligarchs?
- Cautious optimism over Maphisa Uhuru fete
Keep Reading
Still, Tshabalala acknowledged that many see the event as a chance for long-overdue development and a meaningful tribute to the late vice president Joshua Nkomo, who hailed from the area.
“There is hope that this will lead to real infrastructure development,” he said.
“Maphisa has no stadium. People are optimistic, based on what happened in Gokwe during the last celebrations, which we could also benefit.”
He added that the town’s history — both triumphant and tragic — must be acknowledged during the celebrations.
“Maphisa holds painful memories,” Tshabalala said.
“The disused mine at Falcon and the Bhalagwe detention camp are sites of immense trauma from the Gukurahundi era.
“These should not be ignored.”
He also appealed for the event to be non-partisan.
“This must be a national event, not a political one.”
Ward 19 councillor Nqobizitha Ngwenya (CCC) welcomed the announcement, calling it a moment of recognition for a district that has often felt sidelined.
“We are truly grateful. It makes us feel seen and recognised,” he said.
Ngwenya confirmed that district officials had already indicated that road works would begin soon.
“The minister of State for Devolution recently visited and confirmed that the road from Maphisa to Mpoengs will be serviced,” he said.
“If fully tarred, it could transform our connectivity to major centres like Bulawayo, Beitbridge and Gwanda.”
He also revealed that a site has already been identified for a new sports complex.
“We have secured land for a stadium, which will not only serve the independence event but remain as a legacy project for our youth and athletes.”
Ngwenya called for infrastructure upgrades ahead of the celebrations, including improved water systems, ablution facilities, and the donation of civil works equipment post-event.
“As the council, we’ve requested that the graders and front-end loaders used in the preparations be left for our use afterward as our local development capacity is severely limited,” he said.
Both residents and local leaders expressed a strong desire for the celebrations to reflect the area’s historical importance.
Maphisa is not only the home of the late Father Zimbabwe and his departed wife, Johanna MaFuyana, but holds cultural and political significance in Zimbabwe’s liberation narrative.
While the community remains cautiously optimistic, the resounding message from Maphisa is clear: let this Independence Day celebration mark not only a moment of pride — but a genuine turning point.
