Birmingham - Zimbabweans in the United Kingdom are set to celebrate Zimbabwe’s independence across the country with places such as Leeds, Nottingham, and Bristol eagerly preparing for their own local gatherings.

Masses are set to gather across the country where many have already confirmed their attendance to the event which is to be held on the 17th April instead of the 18th, the official day of Zimbabwe’s national independence.  

In Nottingham, the Nottingham Zimbabwe Community organisation is set to hold their gathering at the Old Basford Community Centre, Bramble Close, in Nottingham’s NG6 area. The theme for this meeting is “In Memory Of Those Who Shed Their Blood And Those In Search Of Democracy.” 

Veteran democracy activist and ‘Zimbabwe Debate’ coordinator, Albert Weidemann is also set to speak on this day. 

In Leeds, the Leeds Zimbabwe Community organisation, ZimCommLeeds is set to host their event with music, style and dance where the dance group, Hohodza is to stage a historic performance during a ’food-fested’ function to be held at White Horse, 306 York Road, LS9 9DN.

Speaking to reportes, the coordinator, Khetani Mulibane Ndou said that communities chose Saturday the 17th of rather than the 18th because of the the general convenience of a Saturday. Click below for the Leeds Function.

On the 18th April 1980, Zimbabwe gained its independence from Great Britain concluding an end of rule of Prime Minister Ian Smith’s Rhodesia government. To this day, the country has remained in the hands of an authoritarian leadership under Robert Mugabe who is still its president.

By ZIMEYE