Dr James Makamba Hosia Mviringi When the news filtered in that Mt Darwin had been selected to host this year’s Independence celebrations, a first of its kind in independent Zimbabwe, the feeling amongst many skeptics was like, “How can Mashonaland Central Province afford to host such a massive event given the seemingly ‘inadequate’ infrastructure in the province?” Many skeptics doubted the ability for Mt Darwin, a rural district which has just been accorded town status to host an event of such a magnitude. A look at all feeder roads into Mt. Darwin town on April 18, 2023, the atmosphere resembled the euphoria that griped the nation on the same day in 1980 when Zimbabwe’s Independence was birthed. Roads were packed with both vehicular and human traffic, while long que formed outside the main venue at the newly opened Mt Darwin High School grounds (quickly nicknamed ED Mnangagwa Stadium). Overnight, Mt Darwin was transformed and everyone from all over the country...