Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Senior Reporter
PREPARATIONS for the 2026 Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day commemorations are at an advanced stage, with authorities expecting the national events to be held successfully.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda gave the update after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, where he presented reports on preparations for the two events scheduled for August 10 and 11.
The 2026 Heroes Day commemorations will be held under the theme, “Lest We Forget”, at the National Heroes Acre, with additional gatherings expected at the 10 Provincial Heroes Acres and 60 District Heroes Acres across the country.
The Defence Forces Day celebrations will take place on August 11, with the main event scheduled for Rufaro Stadium in Harare.
Similar celebrations will be held at provincial centres under the theme, “ZDF: Guaranteeing peace and stability for the attainment of Vision 2030”.
Minister Soda said Government was making preparations to ensure that the nation pays tribute to the gallant sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives during the liberation struggle.
“The public is being informed that logistical and administrative preparations are ongoing at the various levels of Government in order to ensure successful commemorations in honour of the gallant sons and daughters who selflessly gave their lives to liberate Zimbabwe,” said Minister Soda.
He said 162 buses would be deployed countrywide to assist relatives of heroes and heroines to attend commemorations at various shrines.
As part of activities leading to Defence Forces Day, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) will conduct the Community Assistance Week from July 27 to 31, during which completed projects will be handed over to beneficiaries.
“During the period, projects which were completed in collaboration with partners will be handed over to beneficiaries,” said Minister Soda.
The projects to be handed over include Nikita Mangena Clinic in Mwenezi District, Masvingo Province; Wunga Clinic in Beitbridge District, Matabeleland South Province; the Civil Registry Office in Buhera District, Manicaland Province; and the Hallingbury Primary School Early Childhood Development and Information Communication Technology Complex in Mabelreign, Harare Metropolitan Province.
The Defence Forces Day celebrations will feature a military parade mounted by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, alongside entertainment performances by artists including Sulumani Chimbetu, Kona Ngale, Jah Prayzah and Air Power Ban.
The programme will conclude with a football match between the Zimbabwe Defence Forces select team and the Namibian Defence Forces select team.
Meanwhile, Cabinet received an update on preparations for the commissioning of the Josiah Magama Tongogara Monument and Health Centre in Massinga District, Nyambane Province, Mozambique, where the late General Josiah Magama Tongogara died in a road accident in 1979, while travelling from Maputo to Chimoio.
Minister Soda said the project was part of efforts to preserve the memory of the late liberation icon and recognise his contribution to Zimbabwe’s independence.
“The construction of the monument and the health centre are part of continuing efforts to recognise and immortalise the immense contribution of the late General,” said Minister Soda.
He said construction of the health centre had been completed, with Zimbabwe constructing an outpatient block, three staff quarters and a maternity block, while the government of Mozambique built an administration block, waiting mothers’ shelter and a laundry facility.
“The project is ready for commissioning, and the amenities are expected to transform the livelihoods of the local Mozambican communities, which assisted during Zimbabwe’s war of liberation, through access to a modern health facility,” said Minister Soda.
