Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga lit the Independence Flame in Rusape at the Magamba Butcher Site in Zimbabwe [41d0b738]. The flame lighting ceremony holds historical significance as the site where liberation fighters were interrogated, tortured, and executed by the colonial regime [41d0b738]. VP Chiwenga emphasized the importance of economic development and fulfilling the liberation war assignment [41d0b738]. He highlighted President Mnangagwa's vision for rapid sustainable development and specific projects such as the completion of the Gwayi-Shangani Dam and the upgrade of the Murambinda-Birchenough Bridge Road [41d0b738]. VP Chiwenga also urged the nation to embrace the new ZiG currency, which is backed by gold reserves [41d0b738]. The Independence Flame will be taken to various locations before being brought to the main venue on April 18th, where the President will address the nation [41d0b738]. VP Chiwenga was accompanied by several government ministers [41d0b738].