The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage has announced that the torch relay team carrying the Independence Torch will depart from the Museum of Human Sciences at 0900hrs today.
The torch relay send-off ceremony marks the start of the torch’s journey to Manicaland Province, in preparation for Zimbabwe’s 44th Independence Day anniversary on April 18.
After the official send-off ceremony, the torch will begin its journey by stopping in Headlands and Rusape, before continuing to Magamba, also known as Butcher Site.
“Its first stop will be at Headlands and the second stop will be in Rusape in preparation for the handing over to Manicaland Provincial Leadership at Magamba or Butcher Site by the Honourable Vice President Chiwenga.
“On Friday the 12th of April from 0700hrs , official proceedings to handing over the torch will be conducted at Magamba or Butcher Site,” reads the statement.
On Friday, Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga will officially hand over the torch to the Manicaland Provincial leadership at Magamba or Butcher Site.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage added that on Saturday, the torch relay team will leave Nyanga District Heroes Acre and proceed to Mutasa-Matumba Six, after stopping at Nyanga District Heroes Acre.
The Ministry continued to announce the route that the Independence Torch will take.
“The entourage bearing the torch will then proceed to Mutare on the 14th of April 2024, making its first stop at Wengezi Business Centre before proceeding to Chimanimani District Heroes Acre. The last stop for the day will be at Machongwe.
“From Chimanimani, the Independence Torch relay roadshow will depart for Chipinge where it will be taken to Chipinge District Heroes Acre.
“From there it will proceed to Birchenough Bridge passing through Murambinda en-route to Dzapasi Assembly Point or Foxtrot on the 16th of April 2024.
“On the 17th of April 2024, the official lighting of the Flame will take place at Dzapasi Assemble Point before being taken by torch bearers to the main venue led by the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Recreation,” said the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The 44th Independence Day celebrations will be held at Murambinda in Manicaland Province.
Story by Jeremiah Gora
