Government disburses tombstones for Matabeleland North liberation heroes and heroines

THIS year, ahead of the solemn Heroes Day commemorations on 11 August, the Government is undertaking a deeply moving initiative — the distribution of tombstones to families of liberation war heroes and heroines in Matabeleland North Province. It’s a tangible, heartfelt gesture ensuring that the legacy of those who selflessly sacrificed for the nation’s independence is eternally etched, as the province prepares for its ceremony at the Matabeleland North Provincial Heroes Acre in Lupane.

Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, confirmed that preparations for the Lupane event are progressing well.

“Families of liberators have started receiving tombstones from the Government, and some are already in the process of erecting them on the graves of heroes and heroines. The commemorations will be attended by families of the liberation heroes and heroines, traditional leaders, members of the ruling party Zanu-PF, and the general public,” he said.

This year’s Heroes Day, which sees parallel events across all provinces alongside the main national event at the National Heroes Acre in Harare, also includes the conferment of Independence Medals to 2 000 eligible liberation struggle veterans. Minister Moyo noted that the compilation of names is actively underway. Heroes Day is a vital annual tribute to both fallen and surviving veterans, whose unwavering dedication paved the way for Zimbabwe’s freedom and ongoing nation-building efforts.

“Officials from the ministry and my office have already begun engaging families of the heroes and heroines to ensure that the widows and children of the departed are present at the commemorations,” he said.

The solemnity of Heroes Day transitions into celebration on 12 August with Defence Forces Day. Under the theme “Zimbabwe Defence Forces: Guaranteeing a Conducive Environment for the Attainment of Vision 2030,” the national event will be held at Rufaro Stadium in Harare, complemented by provincial celebrations. This day will feature impressive military parades, dynamic displays, and a dedicated community assistance week, highlighting the armed forces’ crucial contributions to national development and peacekeeping.

The Government has also shortlisted three exceptional civilians for national honours, to be conferred alongside the Heroes Day commemorations. Announcing these awards in June, Dr Jenfan Muswere, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, emphasised that they reflect the Government’s recognition of courage, service, and international solidarity.

The recipients include Dr Vladimir Shubin, former head of the Africa Section of the Soviet Afro-Asian Solidarity Committee, who will receive the Royal Order of Munhumutapa; Innocent Chidhudhu, a teenager who bravely rescued two children from a burning house in Bindura, who will be awarded the Silver Cross of Zimbabwe; and Dr Madeline Nyamwanza, Zimbabwe’s first female African medical doctor, who will receive the Robert Gabriel Mugabe Commendation Award for Service in Human Capital Development.

Civil servants who have rendered distinguished service will also be recognised in phases through gazetted medals and commendations.