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Diana Nherera Herald Correspondent
Preparations to mark the Heroes Day commemorations where Zimbabweans remember its gallant sons and daughters who perished in the liberation struggle have reached an advanced stage. High-ranking Pakistan and Angolan army generals are expected to attend the event to be held at the National Heroes’ Acre.They include Pakistan Air Marshal who is also the Vice Chief of Staff Saeed Muhammed Khan and Angolan General and Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Angolan Armed Forces, Antonio Egidio de Sousa Santos.
In an interview yesterday, Harare provincial administrator Mr Alfred Tome said preparations for the commemorations, to be held on Monday at the National Heroes Acre, have reached the final stages with everything moving according to plan.
Mr Tome said the event is expected to start at 10am and 25 buses had been availed by the ministry of Local Government, Public Works and Urban Development to ferry people from their homes to the National Heroes’ Acre.
“Transport will be available at the usual pick-up points from 5am,” said Mr Tome. He urged people to come in large numbers and arrive early to avoid disappointment.
“I would like to see a great number of youths attending the Heroes’ Day celebrations in order to hear the wise counsel from President Robert Mugabe,” said Mr Tome.
He said the crowd would be entertained by Jah Prayzah, Alick Macheso and the Defence Forces Band.
Various representatives from the country’s provinces also confirmed their readiness for the event.
Minister of State for Manicaland province, Cde Mandi Chimene said Heroes Day celebrations already started on Thursday with a group of people from Manicaland province having left for Mozambique.
She said another group was expected to also leave for Mozambique today and tomorrow.
Minister Chimene said the group would visit Nyadzonia, Chimoio and Beira in Mozambique.
“The purpose of the trips is to remember the country’s heroes who died in Mozambique and were left behind during the liberation struggle,” said Min Chimene.
She said people would sleep at the Manicaland provincial Heroes Acre tomorrow (Sunday), a day before celebrations on Monday.
“We are expecting visitors from Manica province in Mozambique to attend the provincial celebrations on Monday,” Minister Chimene said.
She urged people from Manicaland province who have buses and lorries to transport people to the Heroes’ Acre.
Mashonaland Central zanu-pf provincial chairperson Cde Dickson Mafios said preparations for the Heroes Day celebrations had reached an advanced stage.
Cde Mafios said a committee has been set up to mobilise resources for the commemorations.
“We are now making final touches and ensuring all districts are ready for the event including the entertainment that has been lined up for the Heroes Day celebrations,” said Cde Mafios.
He said Heroes’ Day celebrations would be held at Bindura Heroes’ Acre starting from 10am.
Cde Mafios said there would be entertainment by local musicians, traditional and choral groups, poets and Nyau dance groups.
Matabeleland North zanu-pf provincial chair, Cde Richard Moyo said committees for finance and transport had been set up to deal with logistics for the commemorations.
Online Reporter