Online Reporter
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage from the National Heroes Acre in Harare.
Today, President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa will preside over the burial of the late Ambassador Victor Matemadanda, who was conferred national hero status for his contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and decades of public service.
Ambassador Matemadanda died on Sunday at the age of 66 after a short illness.
At the time of his death, he was serving as Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique and the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Our Reporter Harmony Agere and Chief Photographer Believe Nyakudjara are at the National Heroes Acre and will provide live coverage as events unfold.
Zimbabwe stands still
A solemn hush hangs over the National Heroes Acre this morning, broken by those singing to bid the national hero goodbye.
The grounds, usually quiet, have filled steadily since dawn.
The mood is one of restrained grief and collective duty.
National flags flutter at half-mast against a pale Harare sky, with the cold June breeze biting those in attendance.
The air carries the weight of a country pausing to honour one of its liberation war veterans and a diplomat who served until his final days.
As the time for the ceremony draws closer, the gathering has grown more focused. There is a sense of anticipation, but it is tempered by respect.
Zimbabwe is standing together to bid farewell to a distinguished public servant whose life spanned the liberation struggle, Government, and diplomacy.
Mourners gather at Heroes Acre ahead of burial
Ministers, senior Government officials, Service Chiefs, war veterans and members of the public are gathered here at the National Heroes Acre ahead of the burial of Cde Matemadanda.
Members of the military stand at attention along the pathways, cameras are set, and the crowd awaits for proceedings to begin in the next few minutes.
Service Chiefs arrive
Service Chiefs, led by Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Emmanuel Matatu, have arrived at the National Heroes Acre ahead of the burial of National Hero Ambassador Victor Matemadanda.
Upon arrival, General Matatu briefly inspected the guard of honour before leading the Service Chiefs to their seats.
Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has also arrived.
Mourners continue to stream into the shrine, joining military officers, Government officials, Zanu PF supporters, affiliates and members of the public to pay their final respects to Ambassador Matemadanda.
VP Chiwenga now at National Heroes Acre
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has arrived at the National Heroes Acre for the burial of Ambassador Matemadanda.
The VPe exchanged greetings and lighthearted conversation with Cabinet Ministers before taking his seat in the VIP tent.
National hero’s remains now at Heroes Acre
A quiet stillness fell over the National Heroes Acre a short while ago as the hearse carrying the body of the late Ambassador Victor Matemadanda arrived at the shrine.
The hearse, draped in the national flag, made its way slowly to the dais. With the body now at the shrine, the formal proceedings are set to begin.
President Mnangagwa is expected to lead the nation in paying final respects to the liberation war veteran and diplomat.
All eyes are now on the dais as Zimbabwe prepares to bid farewell to one of its distinguished sons of the soil.
President Mnangagwa joins mourners
President Mnangagwa has arrived at the National Heroes Acre for the burial of the national hero.
On arrival, the President joined the funeral procession, with the body of Ambassador Matemadanda having arrived earlier.
The President has since taken his seat in the VIP.
His arrival marks the beginning of the official ceremony, with Home Affairs and Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe taking to the podium to kickstart proceedings.
