Online Reporter
Josephine Nyamwanza
Correspondent
PREPARATIONS for the 2026 Heroes’ Day and Defence Forces Day commemorations are gathering momentum in Manicaland, with the Government stepping up efforts to ensure the annual events are hosted successfully at Manicaland Provincial Heroes’ Acre in Mutare and Sakubva Stadium respectively.
The national commemorations will be held at the National Heroes’ Acre in Harare, while parallel events are set to take place at provincial and district heroes’ acres across the country.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, will deliver the President’s Heroes Day speech at the Provincial Heroes’ Acre, before presenting the same address during the Defence Forces Day commemorations at Sakubva Stadium.
In addition to the main provincial events, commemorations are also scheduled to take place in the province’s six other districts.
Permanent Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Abiot Maronge, said preparations are progressing smoothly, with teams already on the ground undertaking upgrades and expansion works at the Provincial Heroes’ Acre ahead of the national holidays.
“Preparations are now underway. Our teams are working tirelessly to modernise and expand the Provincial Heroes’ Acre so that it is ready to host this year’s Heroes’ Day commemorations. These improvements are aimed at ensuring that the venue provides a dignified and fitting setting as we honour the men and women who sacrificed for Zimbabwe’s independence,” said Mr Maronge.
He said the Government is working closely with various stakeholders to ensure that all logistical and operational arrangements are completed on schedule.
“Our objective is to ensure that the commemorations are conducted in a manner that appropriately honours the sacrifices made by liberation heroes and heroines, as well as those who continue to safeguard the country’s sovereignty,” he said.
Heroes’ Day remains one of Zimbabwe’s most important national observances, dedicated to remembering and celebrating men and women who contributed to the liberation struggle and those who have made outstanding contributions to national development since Independence.
The commemorations will be followed by Defence Forces Day, which recognises the dedication, professionalism and service of members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in protecting the country’s sovereignty, preserving peace and contributing to national development.
The day also celebrates the role played by the defence forces in defending the gains of Zimbabwe’s liberation and maintaining national security.
Mr Maronge said this year’s provincial Defence Forces Day celebrations promise an exciting programme for members of the public.
“Following the Heroes’ Day commemorations, we will host the Defence Forces Day celebrations at Sakubva Stadium. The public will have an opportunity to witness military parades, drills and various displays that showcase the discipline, professionalism and capabilities of our defence forces,” he said.
The event is expected to feature military parades, precision drills, ceremonial displays and other activities by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
Mr Maronge urged people from across Manicaland to attend the commemorations in large numbers and participate in honouring the country’s heroes and defence personnel.
“We encourage people from across the province to attend both the Heroes’ Day commemorations at the Provincial Heroes’ Acre and the Defence Forces Day celebrations at Sakubva Stadium. These occasions provide an opportunity to honour our fallen and living heroes and heroines, while also recognising the dedication and sacrifice of the men and women who continue to defend our nation and preserve the peace we enjoy today,” he said.
Zimbabwe will commemorate Heroes’ Day on Monday, August 10, under the theme: ‘Lest We Forget’, while Defence Forces Day will be observed on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
