The government of Zimbabwe has finally responded to growing outrage and speculation over claims that it spent a staggering US$10 million on this year’s Independence Day celebrations in Gokwe-Nembudziya, which many have labelled as poorly organised and chaotic.
Speaking on Monday, 21 April 2025, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, publicly denied the widely reported figure but did not give a specific breakdown of what was actually spent.
“It wasn’t US$10 million, and we did good,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter), in response to mounting criticism online.
“Installation and upgrading of 3G and 4G base stations; renovation of a mortuary at Nembudziya Hospital; training of local communities in digital skills; refurbishment of computer laboratories; and the establishment of a telemedicine clinic,” he said in his detailed post.
But the public remains unconvinced.
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“We did good,” says government amid backlash
Mangwana’s statement came after several media outlets and online commentators questioned the value and execution of the event. The Standard, citing unnamed sources, had earlier claimed the Independence Day celebrations could have cost the state up to US$10 million, which is roughly R185 million.
Mangwana attempted to justify the spending by listing dozens of infrastructure developments reportedly delivered in the Gokwe-Nembudziya area ahead of the national event.
“Work was done on Nembudziya Stadium. A public outdoor viewing screen was installed. The Kadoma–Sanyati–Nembudziya Road was graded. Local service roads were rehabilitated,” he stated.
“We upgraded 132 graves at heroes’ shrines in the Midlands. Museums and memorial plinths were constructed at Sikombela, Connemara Prison, and Mutapa Hall. Schools in the area were improved under educational legacy projects,” he added.
Mangwana highlighted improvements at Govt High School, Nyamuroro High School, Nyamuroro Primary School, and Nyamuroro Vocational Training Centre, where facilities such as classroom blocks, ablution blocks, science labs, boreholes, and teachers’ housing were completed or refurbished.
“We also improved the external ambience of the schools—painted walls, clean water, better sanitation. King Solomon Hotel in Nembudziya is under construction,” Mangwana said.
He also noted that the event had created economic opportunities.
“Local businesses are thriving. House owners turned their homes into Airbnbs. Food outlets are booming. Many lives will never be the same,” he claimed.
“Release the figures!” say angry Zimbabweans
Despite the lengthy list, Mangwana’s refusal to disclose the actual budget or provide the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) has only fuelled further questions.
Award-winning journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, a frequent critic of government spending, weighed in:
“Just release the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) instead of this cheap propaganda. This is public money—release the details,” he wrote.
Others echoed the sentiment. Social media user @MacBelts asked:
“How come there is no evidence of some of these? Surely, with the way Dambudzo [President Mnangagwa] is fond of cutting ribbons, we should have seen him in action?”
Gokwe locals also demanded answers. Hosia Mviringi posted:
“How much was it, Mr Mangwana? We, the people of Gokwe, want to take stock of the said projects so we can thank the government where a good job was done. This shouldn’t become just another looting spree.”
Flooded stadium, chaos and missing chairs
Ahead of the 18 April celebrations, Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe had claimed that the event would be held in a “new, modern stadium” with all necessary amenities. However, social media was flooded with footage from the actual event showing a different picture.
Heavy rains turned the stadium into a muddy swamp. The drainage system reportedly failed. Military parades were disrupted by waterlogged grounds. Even plastic chairs were removed before the event had concluded, raising eyebrows about the quality of preparation and materials used.
A post-event report by The Standard noted that “the infrastructure fell apart, the venue was poorly constructed, and the celebrations did not go well.”
Calls have since intensified for an audit of the project expenditure, with citizens asking why no BoQ or financial report has been made public.
For now, while the government insists it has nothing to hide, Zimbabweans continue to wait for the numbers that might finally put the controversy to rest.-harare
