Chronicle Editor
Harare Bureau
PREPARATIONS for next week’s Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day celebrations are now at an advanced stage.
The main Heroes Day commemorations will be held at the National Heroes Acre on August 12, while the Defence Forces Day is scheduled for August 13 at Rufaro Stadium in Harare.
Similar commemorations will be held across all provinces. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Ambassador Raphael Faranisi told our Harare Bureau that preparations were on track, with invitations sent to families of national heroes, particularly those from outside Harare.
Zimbabwe has conferred national hero or heroine status on 214 people, with 198 interred at the National Heroes Acre.
“We have been holding meetings under the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee chaired by Deputy Chief Secretary Mr Zvinechimwe Churu discussing preparations and we are ready to host the commemorations,” said Amb Faranisi.
“Everything is in place for the Heroes Day commemorations, and we have since sent invitations to families of heroes and heroines who will be coming to the National Heroes Acre, especially those from Bulawayo and other places.
“We have also secured transport and accommodation for them.” The National Heroes Acre has been spruced up in preparation for the commemorations, he added.
“Preparations are still going on at the Heroes Acre, with just a few things to be put in place to spruce up the national shrine to make sure it is presentable,” he added.
“These processes will be ongoing until the last day before the event is held. “The same is being replicated in provinces and districts.
“I am also aware that preparations for the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day to be held at Rufaro Stadium are also going on well, with all necessary things having been put in place.”
Six important awards will be conferred during Heroes Day commemorations to recognise distinguished individuals in various fields.
These are the Royal Order of Munhumutapa (one person), Order of the Star of Zimbabwe (one person), the Gold Cross of Zimbabwe (two individuals), the Silver Cross of Zimbabwe (two individuals) and the Commendation Medal (one person), as well as independence medals to veterans of the liberation struggle and war collaborators (200 to be honoured across 10 provinces).
Bongani Ndlovu