First phase of Chinhoyi Heroes Acre upgrade complete

The Government has begun major expansion and renovation works at the National Heroes Acre in Harare. The works are aimed at creating additional burial sites while enhancing the shrine’s infrastructure and visual appeal, a significant and timely development, especially as Zimbabwe prepares to commemorate Heroes Day next week

Conrad Mupesa

Mashonaland West Bureau

THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF)’s Hunyani Farm has completed the first phase of a major facelift of Chinhoyi Provincial Heroes Acre within the targeted 21 days.

The initial works, finished last week, included the construction of modern ablution facilities, complete with VIP sections, a guardroom and a new security fence, as well as the sprucing up of the shrine ahead of its official commissioning and handover by Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri this week.

Lieutenant-Colonel Tichaona Masanganise, who is overseeing the three-phase project, said the upgrade was aimed at honouring the country’s freedom fighters and safeguarding the legacy of the liberation struggle.

“We have completed the first phase of the upgrade right on time,” he said.

“We gave ourselves a target of 21 days to complete the first stage, which we managed to achieve.”

Lt-Col Masanganise said the team demolished a dilapidated precast wall on the northern side of the shrine, replacing it with a modern perimeter fence.

“The efforts to upgrade the facility also aim at giving our heroes and heroines befitting honour for their sacrifices,” he said.

Lt-Col Masanganise, son of the late ex-combatant Colonel Mutero John Masanganise, who helped build the Kamungoma Liberation War Shrine in Masvingo, said the project reflected the ZDF’s commitment to heritage preservation.

The Chinhoyi Provincial Heroes Acre holds deep historical significance.

It lies near the site of the April 28, 1966 Battle of Chinhoyi, where seven Zimbabwean freedom fighters engaged Rhodesian forces in a fierce gunfight.

The seven — Christopher Chatambudza, Simon Chingozha, Godwin Dube (Godfrey Manyerenyere), Chubby Savanhu, Arthur Maramba, David Guzuzu and Swazini Ndlovu (Godfrey Dube) — all died in the battle.

Other prominent figures buried at the shrine include liberation war hero and Dendera music legend Simon “Chopper” Chimbetu, who was interred in 2005.

The second phase of the facelift will begin after Heroes Day commemorations and will focus on building a parlour and revamping the nearby Seven Heroes Monument. The final phase will upgrade the adjacent 40-hectare military cemetery.

Vice board chairperson of ZDF Hunyani Farm, Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Dennis Jaricha, applauded the progress and urged other provinces to emulate Mashonaland West.

“Other provinces should emulate what Mashonaland West has initiated in honour of the late heroes and heroines,” he said, noting strong support from Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo.

In an interview, Minister Chombo praised the facelift as a model for future provincial shrine upgrades.

“This is one of the good examples of a Whole-of-Government and societal approach to building Zimbabwe,” she said.

“With the pledges made by Zim-China Wanjin, this is going to be the best provincial shrine in the country.”

Acting deputy director in the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Mr Elyson Chigerwe said the facelift supported the ministry’s billion-dollar tourism agenda.

Constructed after independence in 1980, Chinhoyi Heroes Acre is the final resting place of more than 100 heroes and heroines.