Rains dampen Uhuru celebrations
RAINS yesterday dampened the 45th Independence Day celebrations at Mutora Open Grounds in Gokwe, the Midlands province, which saw several army drills being cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.
Heavy rains were experienced on the eve of yesterday’s celebrations, which later turned to light showers.
While inspecting a parade, President Emmerson Mnangagwa refused to be shielded from the rains by an umbrella, which saw him being soaked.
Mnangagwa was described as a soldier and used to fight even when it was raining.
Local Government minister Daniel Garwe, who was yesterday sharing the stage with his Information counterpart Jenfan Muswere, said they cancelled some drills because of the rains.
“As you can see, there are some showers and the ground is slippery. We have to cancel some performances and drills as we fear for injuries,” Garwe said.
“Our President Emmerson Mnangagwa is a soldier.
“This is why he refused an umbrella, but I am happy we are having a memorable Independence.” In an interview, Youth minister Tinoda Machakaire said the rains meant the celebrations had been embraced by the gods.
“The fact that it was raining meant that the rains have been blessed by God. Even our ancestors speak highly of rains, we are happy with the rains,” he said.
Chief Fortune Charumbira, who was part of the crowd, said rains are good at any event.
“Rains are a symbol of good things and that is what we have seen here today (yesterday),” he said.
There were already fears that the Uhuru soccer match between Premiership teams Simba Bhora and FC Platinum could be cancelled.
Linda Masarira, leader of an opposition outfit Lead, said she was not in a position to wait for a football match.
“I wanted to wait for the football match, but how are they going to play in this waterlogged pitch?” she said.
Masarira, however, said there is a need to celebrate the Independence despite political affiliation.
“Independence is not only for Zanu PF, but everyone in the country despite differences in political affiliation.” NewsDay
