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Gibson Mhaka
PREPARATIONS for the 2024 Heroes Day Commemorations and Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day Celebrations are at an advanced stage with indications that the total number of national heroes and heroines across the country stands at 213, with 198 interred at the national shrine.
The update on the preparations was presented by the Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri on behalf of the Vice President, Kembo Mohadi, who is Chairman of the Combined Cabinet Committee on State Occasions and National Monuments Committee on Honours and Awards.
In his post-Cabinet media briefing Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the National Heroes Day will be commemorated on 12 August, 2024, at the National Heroes Acre in Harare.
Simultaneously, provinces will hold their own commemorations in their respective areas.
“Cabinet considered and noted the Update on the Preparations for the 2024 Heroes Day Commemorations and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day Celebrations, as presented by the Minister of Defence, Honourable O.C.Z. Muchinguri-Kashiri on behalf of the Honourable Vice President, Cde. (Rtd) Col. K.C.D. Mohadi, Chairman of the Combined Cabinet Committee on StateOccasions and National Monuments Committee on Honours and Awards.
“The National Heroes Day will be commemorated on the 12th August, 2024, at the National Heroes Acre in Harare, with provinces simultaneously holding commemorations in their respective jurisdictions.
“Preparations for the events are at an advanced stage. To date, the number of national heroes and heroines countrywide stands at 213, with 198 interred at the national shrine,” said Dr Muswere.
He said the Defence Forces Day will be celebrated on the 13th of August, 2024 at Rufaro Stadium in Harare under the theme,
“Guaranteeing a Conducive Environment for Attainment of Vision 2030”.
“Prior to this, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces will carry out Community Assistance Projects from the 5th to 9th August, 2024, and the completed projects will be handed over to the communities.
“The Zimbabwe Defence Forces will also carry out a week-long medical outreach during which they will offer free consultations and treatment for minor ailments. Preparations for this event are also at an advanced stage,” said Minister Muswere.
Dr Muswere said 14th of May every year was set aside for the National Honours and Awards Conferment ceremony, and in view of the exigencies that prevented the holding of the same on the designated day, the Honours and Awards Conferment Ceremony will be held as a joint event with the Heroes Commemoration, as in previous years.
However, starting next year, a separate Conferment Ceremony will be held on the stipulated date, with the nomination process already underway.
“The conferment of medals on those that exuded valour and humanitarianism by selflessly dedicating themselves and performing outstandingly in various fields is meant to immortalize and memorialise these individuals for honourably serving the nation in certain distinct ways.
“Of particular note is that at this year’s Heroes and Defence Forces Days, there shall be conferment of six awards, namely, the Royal Order of Munhumutapa, one person will be honoured, Order of the Star of Zimbabwe, one person will be honoured; the Gold Cross of Zimbabwe, two individuals will be honoured.
“The Silver Cross of Zimbabwe, two individuals will be honoured, the Commendation Medal, one person will be honoured and Independence Medals to Veterans of the Liberation Struggle including War Collaborators, 2 000 to be honoured across the ten provinces,” said Minister Muswere.
Online Reporter