Online Reporter
Mashudu Netsianda, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT will honour 50 000 veterans of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle with independence medals during this year’s Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Day celebrations on August 11, 2026, in one of the country’s largest national recognition programmes for liberation war heroes.
Preparations are already at an advanced stage for the Heroes and Zimbabwe Defence Forces Holidays, which will be celebrated across the country.
The two annual events celebrate the country’s liberation heritage, recognise the sacrifices of national heroes and heroines and pay tribute to members of the defence forces for their role in safeguarding Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This year’s Heroes Day commemorations will be held under the theme: “Lest We Forget”, with the main event taking place at the National Heroes’ Acre in Harare, alongside commemorations at all the country’s 10 Provincial Heroes’ Acres and 60 District Heroes’ Acres.
The following day, Zimbabwe will commemorate Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day, with the main celebrations scheduled for Rufaro Stadium in Harare under the theme: “ZDF: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030.”
The event will feature a keynote address by President Mnangagwa, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, a military parade and displays showcasing the capabilities of the country’s defence forces.
Ahead of the commemorations, the ZDF has embarked on its annual Community Assistance Week, which began on Monday and runs until Friday.
During the programme, the defence forces, working with Government ministries and development partners, will hand over a number of completed community projects, including Nikita Mangena Clinic in Mwenezi District, Whunga Clinic in Beitbridge District, the Civil Registry Office in Buhera District and the Hallingbury Primary School ECD and ICT Complex in Mabelreign, Harare.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said the conferment of the medals is in line with constitutional provisions that provide for the recognition of citizens who have made outstanding contributions to national development.
“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,” he said.
“The 2026 honours and awards conferment ceremony will take place on August 11, 2026, during the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations.”
Dr Soda said Cabinet had approved the conferment of 50 000 Independence medals on liberation war veterans through the respective Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution across the country’s provinces.
“The exercise is part of ongoing efforts to recognise and honour those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of our beloved Motherland, Zimbabwe,” he said.
The mass conferment of Independence medals aligns with the Government’s ongoing efforts to honour men and women who participated in the liberation struggle and contributed to the attainment of independence.
Through the annual Honours and Awards programme, Government recognises individuals whose distinguished service and contribution have advanced national development while reinforcing the values and ideals that underpinned the country’s liberation struggle.
