Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira-Senior Reporter
AT least 50 000 veterans of the liberation struggle will be conferred with awards and honours at this year’s Heroes Day celebrations to be held across the country on August 10, with the main event being held at the National Heroes Acre.
This was said by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda during a post-Cabinet media briefing held in Harare yesterday.
He said Cabinet had approved a report on proposed honours and awards that was presented by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe on behalf of Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi, who is the Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Honours and Awards, and Place Names.
“The nation is being informed that the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides for the conferment of Honours and Awards as national recognition and the immortalisation of individuals who have made significant contributions to Zimbabwe’s national development. The 2026 Honours and Awards Conferment Ceremony will take place on 11th of August 2026, during the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day Celebrations,” said Dr Soda.
“The nation is being informed that Cabinet approved the conferment of a total of 50 000 Independence medals to Veterans of the Liberation Struggle, through the respective Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution across the country.
“The exercise is part of ongoing efforts to recognise and honour those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of our motherland Zimbabwe.”
The 2026 National Heroes Day commemorations will be held on August 10 under the theme, “Lest We Forget”, with Government continuing efforts to preserve the country’s liberation heritage through the rehabilitation of historic liberation war sites.
The main Heroes Day commemorations will be held at the National Heroes Acre, where President Mnangagwa is expected to preside over the event and deliver his keynote address that reflects on the sacrifices made by the country’s gallant sons.
There will be commemorations in the 10 provincial capitals where Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution will preside as they read the speech by President Mnangagwa.
Other celebrations will be held at district and ward level, with preparations now at an advanced stage.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage has since indicated that all preparations for the event were on course.
