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Cletus Mushanawani
News Editor
MANICALAND has all the modalities in place to host this year’s Heroes Day commemorations which will also see the province hosting the national musical gala with more than 23 artistes billed to perform.
While the provincial Heroes Day commemorations will be held at the traditional venue, the Manicaland Provincial Heroes’ Acre in Mutare on Monday, Vengere Stadium in Rusape will host the Defence Forces Day commemorations on Tuesday, in line with the devolution agenda.
Both venues have been spruced up to host the commemorations.
The Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Nokuthula Matsikenyeri will officiate at both the Heroes Day and ZDF commemorations.
Dignitaries from Mozambique’s Manica Province will also grace the Heroes Day commemorations.
Thousands of people from all walks of life are expected to come together to celebrate the gallantry of Zimbabwe’s sons and daughters who fought against the repressive Smith regime to liberate their motherland.
At national level, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa has rallied all Zimbabweans to throng the various venues across the country for this year’s commemorations.
Briefing the media in Mutare last week on Friday, Minister Mutsvangwa said: “It is that time of the year once again when we commemorate the Heroes and Zimbabwe Defence Forces Days. This year, we celebrate our revered Heroes Day on August 14 at the National Heroes’ Acre and Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day on August 15 at the National Sports Stadium.
“The Heroes Day commemoration is in recognition and remembrance of all who sacrificed their lives to liberate the country from the yoke of colonialism. We can never forget the significance of the role they played in waging the war of liberation.
“Our Defence Forces continue to steadfastly defend our sovereignty, preserve our security and peace. We also celebrate the role they play in community development.”
“Let us all show our appreciation and support for the gallantry exhibited by our sons and daughters of Zimbabwe to fight against the repressive Smith regime. Buses will be made available from the usual pick-up points to ferry people to different venues across the country,” she said.
Turning to the Heroes Gala, Minister Mutsvangwa said: “After the Defence Forces celebrations, all roads will lead to Vengere Stadium where a star-studded line up is expected to give a dazzling performance, making it a show not to be missed. The musical gala will start at 6pm until 6am the following day and will be broadcast live on ZBC TV.
“Let us all converge at Vengere Stadium to put the icing on the Heroes and Defence Forces Day commemorations through song and dance. Entry into the show is absolutely free,” she said.
Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and devolution, Mr Edgars Seenza said all is set for the provincial and districts commemorations.
“We have had several preparatory meetings with different organising committees and we are satisfied with the level of preparedness.
“The provincial Heroes’ Day commemorations will be held at Manicaland Provincial Heroes’ Acre in Mutare on Monday before we move to Rusape on Tuesday for the Defence Forces Day commemorations at Vengere Stadium. Everyone is working hard to ensure that we have memorable events. Both venues have been spruced up.
“As for the Heroes Day commemorations, we expect relatives of those interred at the provincial shrine to grace the occasion in their numbers. We have lined up entertainment from various artistes in the province as well as our security sectors,” said Mr Seenza.
He also expressed satisfaction on Rusape’s readiness to host both the provincial Defence Forces Day commemorations and the national Heroes Gala.
“Rusape is ready to host these two important events. The Makoni district organising committee, working in conjunction with their provincial counterparts, have done a fantastic job to spruce up the venue.
“The organising teams visited the venue this week and expressed satisfaction with the state of the venue. We have mobilised enough food to feed those who will be in attendance, but our doors are still open for more donations,” he said.
On visitors from sister liberation movements expected to grace the events, Mr Seenza said: “We are expecting a delegation from our sister province of Manica Province in Mozambique to grace both events.
“On that note, we call upon all Zimbabweans from all walks of life to converge at the different venues to commemorate this year’s events. We call upon all the people of Manicaland to converge in their hundreds for the national Heroes Gala at Vengere Stadium.
“We are honoured to host the national event, so we should show our appreciation by attending in our hundreds,” said Mr Seenza.
Makoni District Development Coordinator, Mr Edwin Mashindi confirmed that everything is now in order for Rusape to host the two events
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