Online Reporter
Good morning, Zimbabwe.
Today, we honour the gallant sons and daughters whose sacrifices paved the way for the country’s independence as the nation marks Heroes Day.
The commemorations provide an opportunity for Zimbabweans to reflect on the courage, resilience and sacrifices of those who participated in the liberation struggle.
The main commemorations are being held at the National Heroes Acre in Harare, with similar events taking place at provincial and other national shrines across the country.
President Mnangagwa will headline the national commemorations.
Heroes Day remains an important fixture on Zimbabwe’s national calendar, serving as a reminder of the price paid for independence and the responsibility of present and future generations to preserve the country’s heritage.
As Zimbabwe remembers its heroes, the occasion also calls on citizens to honour their legacy through unity, patriotism and commitment to the country’s development.
Sit back and relax as our reporter, Harmony Agere, and photographers Joseph Manditswara and Memory Mangombe bring you live updates from this important event.
Zimbabweans turn out in their thousands to honour Heroes
Thousands of Zimbabweans have turned out at the National Heroes Acre in Harare to commemorate Heroes Day, transforming the national shrine into a sea of colour, music and patriotic celebration.
The usually solemn occasion has taken on a festive atmosphere, with citizens arriving in their numbers to honour the men and women who sacrificed for Zimbabwe’s liberation.
National colours have taken prominence in the crowd, with Zimbabweans proudly displaying the country’s green, yellow, red and black colours through their clothing and flags.
On stage, sungura star Alick Macheso has kept the crowd entertained, with his popular songs drawing enthusiastic responses from the gathering.
The Mbare Chimurenga Choir is also entertaining the multitudes, adding a strong patriotic and cultural flavour to the commemorations.
The entertainment programme has extended beyond professional musicians, with members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police also showcasing their musical talents and adding to the lively atmosphere.
Meanwhile, senior Government officials and ministers have brought their own touch of colour to the occasion, turning up in their finest outfits as they join thousands of citizens in commemorating the country’s heroes.
Vice Presidents arrive
Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Dr Kembo Mohadi have arrived at the National Heroes Acre for Heroes Day Commemorations.
The two leaders, who arrived separately, inspected the Guard of Honour and interacted with Ministers and Senior Government officials before taking their seats in the VIP tent.
President Mnangagwa is expected to arrive shortly.
President Mnangagwa arrives
President Mnangagwa, accompanied by the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, has arrived at the National Heroes Acre for the Heroes Day commemorations to a rousing welcome.
Upon arrival, President Mnangagwa inspected the Guard of Honour as the National Anthem was sung, led by the Police Band.
This was also marked by a fly-past in honour of the departed heroes.
The President also took a moment of silence at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as members of the Zimbabwe National Army performed the gun salute.
President Mnangagwa has since taken his seat in the VIP tent, signalling the beginning of the official Heroes Day commemorations.
Rehabilitation of National Shrines Stage 1 complete
The first stage of the rehabilitation of Zimbabwe’s national shrines in Mozambique and Zambia has been completed, Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe has said.
Speaking at the Heroes Day Commemorations, Minister Kazembe said significant progress had been made in rehabilitating national shrines dedicated to Zimbabwe’s liberation heroes in the two neighbouring countries.
He said the rehabilitation programme was being undertaken to preserve and honour the resting places of the country’s liberation heroes, including those buried outside Zimbabwe.
“A lot of progress has been made in the rehabilitation of national shrines in Mozambique and Zambia.”
Minister Kazembe said Government would now move to the next phase of the programme, with rehabilitation works in Angola set to follow.
“Stage 1 of these rehabilitation works has already been concluded, and we will soon be moving to rehabilitate shrines in Angola”
President honours National Heroes, vows to safeguard liberation legacy
President Mnangagwa has paid tribute to Zimbabwe’s National Heroes, saying the country remains indebted to their sacrifices as they brought Independence.
Speaking at the Heroes Day commemorations at the National Heroes Acre, President Mnangagwa said the sacrifices of the liberation war veterans remained an enduring part of Zimbabwe’s national history and identity.
“I wish to express my profound gratitude to the veterans of our liberation struggle whose courage, resilience and selfless sacrifices secured the independence and freedom we enjoy today,” he said.
“Their contribution to the birth of our nation remains an enduring part of our national history and identity.
“As a nation, we remain forever indebted and deeply grateful to these gallant men and women. We shall continue to honour their sacrifices by safeguarding the gains of our independence and working together to build a peaceful, prosperous and united Zimbabwe.”
The President acknowledged Zimbabweans gathered at provincial and district heroes’ shrines across the country, as well as diplomatic missions abroad observing the commemorations.
“I recognise that while we are gathered here at the National Heroes Acre, many of our compatriots are assembled at provincial and district heroes’ shrines across the country, while our diplomatic missions abroad are also observing today’s proceedings,” he said
“I commend you all for your patriotism, dedication and unwavering commitment to safeguarding and preserving our rich national liberation heritage.
“Your participation in these commemorations reflects our collective responsibility to honour the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom and to ensure that the legacy of the liberation struggle is passed on to future generations.”
President Mnangagwa said the values and ideals of the liberation struggle would remain central to Zimbabwe’s national identity.
He said the country would continue pursuing economic transformation and national development despite challenges, including the adverse effects of illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by Western countries.
“The dreams, hopes and aspirations of those who made immense sacrifices for our liberation continue to live on from generation to generation.”
President, VPs lay wreaths at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
President Mnangagwa and his two Vice Presidents, Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Dr Kembo Mohadi, have laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as part of the Heroes Day commemorations.
This is an important rite of the annual commemorations, honouring the fallen heroes who made sacrifices during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
The police band played Chimurenga and wartime songs as the President and his deputies laid wreaths at the tomb.
This was capped by the sounding of the Last Post, marking a moment of remembrance for the departed heroes.
The National Heroes Acre is now filled to capacity, with crowds overflowing into nearby bushes as Zimbabweans remember and honour the country’s heroes.
President Mnangagwa hands over National Flags to families of 5 National Heroes who were conferred posthumously:
1)Miriam Fikile Dube widow of Cde Josep Dube
2)Margaret Muzavazi widow of Cde Hebert Muzava Sambo
3)Plaxedes Khumalo widow of Petros Khumalo
4)Delight Marufu Son of the late Cde Shuvirai Wekwete
5) Musa Gumbochuma son of Noah Gumbochuma
