Online Reporter
Mashudu Netsianda [email protected]
PREPARATIONS for this year’s Heroes Day commemorations and Defence Forces Day celebrations are at an advanced stage, with Government assuring the nation that all logistical and administrative arrangements are on course for the successful hosting of the two national events.
Heroes Day will be commemorated on August 10, while Defence Forces Day celebrations will be held on 11 August 11.
In a post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda, said Government was finalising logistical and administrative arrangements at national, provincial and district levels to ensure fitting commemorations in honour of the country’s liberation heroes and heroines.
“Cabinet received update reports regarding preparations for the 2026 Heroes Day Commemorations and the Defence Forces Day Celebrations to be held on 10 and 11 August, 2026, respectively.
The nation is informed that preparations for the holding of the two events is at an advanced stage,” he said.
“The public is being informed that logistical and administrative preparations are ongoing at the various levels of Government to ensure successful commemorations in honour of the gallant sons and daughters who selflessly gave their lives to liberate Zimbabwe.”
To facilitate the participation of relatives of national heroes and heroines, Dr Soda said Government will deploy a fleet of 162 buses across the country to transport them to the respective shrines.
Minister Soda also revealed that this year’s Heroes Day commemorations will be held under the theme: “Lest We Forget”, with the main event taking place at the National Heroes Acre in Harare, alongside commemorations at all the country’s 10 Provincial Heroes Acres and 60 District Heroes Acres.
Dr Soda urged Zimbabweans to join President Mnangagwa and the nation in paying tribute to the country’s liberation stalwarts.
“All citizens are, therefore, invited to join His Excellency the President Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa and the entire nation to commemorate the 2026 Heroes Day,” he said.
Turning to Defence Forces Day, Dr Soda said the main celebrations will be held at Rufaro Stadium in Harare under the theme: “ZDF: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030.”
Provincial celebrations will also be held at centres across the country. As part of the annual commemorations, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) will conduct its Community Assistance Week from 27 to 31 July, during which several community development projects completed in partnership with stakeholders will be handed over to beneficiaries.
Among the projects are Nikita Mangena Clinic in Mwenezi District, Masvingo Province; Whunga Clinic in Beitbridge District, Matabeleland South Province; the Civil Registry Office in Buhera
District, Manicaland Province and the Hallingbury Primary School ECD and ICT Complex in Mabelreign, Harare.
The Defence Forces Day programme will feature a keynote address by President Mnangagwa, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, a military parade and displays by members of the defence forces.
The celebrations will also include entertainment performances by leading local artistes, among them Sulumani Chimbetu, Jah Prayzah, Kona Ngale and the Air Power Band.
The festivities will also feature a football match between the Zimbabwe Defence Forces select Team and the Namibian Defence Forces select Team.
Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day are among Zimbabwe’s most significant national events, recognising the sacrifices made by liberation war heroes and heroines, while also celebrating the role of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, peace and territorial integrity.
