40th Independence Day Celebrations Cancelled

The government has postponed all major social events including the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) and the 40th Independence Day celebrations.

The two events, which were scheduled for Bulawayo in April, have been postponed to future dates yet to be announced after President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a National Disaster in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. The President said:

Government has decided to postpone, curtail or cancel public events, gatherings and activities. In that respect, Government has postponed the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, all national Independence Day celebrations previously planned and pending international sporting fixtures until the threat of coronavirus recedes.

All these activities will resume as soon as we are satisfied that our nation is no longer at risk. Resources originally earmarked for these events will now be redirected towards strengthening our defences against the coronavirus and towards drought mitigation.

The announcement was made during a press conference at State House in Harare on Monday, with President Mnangagwa also banning public gatherings of more than 100 people including those for religious purposes for the next 60 days.

However, schools will be allowed to finish their remaining two weeks with standard screening precautions being taken daily.

More: Chronicle