Cuthbert Mashoko
Centre News Hub
RUTENGA — News that Mwenezi’s Rutenga Growth Point will host the 2027 National Independence Celebrations has ignited both hope and anxiety among residents, with many already counting down to 18 April 2027.
The announcement has triggered a wave of high-level government visits to Mwenezi, signaling the scale of preparations ahead.
The latest meeting was held recently at Rutenga Primary School and was addressed by Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr. Zvinechimwe Churu.
Addressing a packed Rutenga Primary boardroom, Churu traced the history of rotational Independence celebrations.
“Traditionally these celebrations were held in Harare at national level, but His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa saw fit to hold them on a rotational basis.
From province to province. And 2027 is your turn, Masvingo,” Churu said.
He said Mwenezi was selected because it is the least developed district in Masvingo Province.
“The President is on record saying no place and no one should be left behind. By hosting 2027, through several legacy projects by Government, Mwenezi will never be the same again.”
Churu outlined a sweeping package of infrastructure and social projects earmarked for Mwenezi and Masvingo:
A16,000-seater stadium to be constructed at Rutenga Growth Point,
Chinyuni Primary School, which will host the Children’s Party, to be modernized into a state-of-the-art facility; 39 schools with satellite status to benefit from new classroom blocks, teachers’ houses, toilets, and borehole drilling; 102 schools earmarked for internet connectivity, laptops, and solarization
On roads, Churu said mobility would be prioritized:
“The Beitbridge-Masvingo highway will be completed. The Rutenga-Zvishavane, Ngundu-Tanganda, and Sango Border roads will be upgraded.”
Other projects include houses for liberation war veterans at Rutenga Growth Point and the rehabilitation of liberation war heritage sites across the province.
“A lot is coming, hence the need for us to start planning now,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Sheillah Chikomo, who is also MP for Mwenezi East, hailed the Second Republic’s development policies.
“As one of the host Members of Parliament in Mwenezi District, I am grateful to His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa for policies that are taking everyone on board. I challenge the people of Mwenezi to seize the vast opportunities that will come with hosting this great event,” Chikomo said.
Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr. Addmore Pazvakavambwa, challenged government departments to deliver on time.
“As a province, let us ensure we work towards the success of this event. As Masvingo, we have a history of doing things in a unique way. Let us show the nation. This is going to be one of the best Independence celebrations, if not the best in history,” Dr. Pazvakavambwa said.
Residents say the hosting presents a once-in-a-generation chance to transform Rutenga’s infrastructure, economy, and visibility on the national stage.
