Online Reporter
Herald Reporters
FROM the solemn silence that descended on the National Heroes Acre in Harare to the stirring liberation songs that reverberated across provincial and district shrines, Zimbabwe yesterday paused to honour the men and women whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering belief in freedom delivered independence and sovereignty to the nation.
Under the theme, “Lest We Forget”, thousands of Zimbabweans from all walks of life converged at shrines across the country for the 46th Heroes Day commemorations, paying tribute to fallen and living heroes and heroines whose sacrifices continue to shape the nation’s destiny.
The commemorations were not merely a remembrance of the past, but were a powerful reaffirmation of the values that fuelled the liberation struggle, which are patriotism, resilience, unity and self-determination.
They were also a reminder of the responsibility resting on present and future generations to safeguard the country’s hard-won freedom.
President Mnangagwa led the main national commemorations at the National Heroes Acre, where Government officials, diplomats, members of the security services, religious groups, war veterans and ordinary citizens gathered to honour the liberation icons.
The national shrine was a blend of solemn reflection and celebration.
Liberation songs filled the air, while sungura music legend Alick Macheso was among the artistes who entertained the crowd, drawing enthusiastic responses from those in attendance.
Addressing the gathering, President Mnangagwa said the theme of this year’s commemorations carried special significance at a critical stage of the country’s development.
“At this current national political, economic and social development epoch, this year’s Heroes Day theme, ‘Lest We Forget’, is very pertinent,” he said.
“It is a clarion call for us to remain mindful of the weighty obligation we have to those who laid the foundations for the Zimbabwe we are today.”
The President reminded the people that many of the heroes who paid the ultimate price for freedom were not memorialised in books or monuments, yet their sacrifices remained permanently woven into the nation’s history.
“We stand on the shoulders of giants, many of whom are not recorded on glittery books or epitaphs of stone, but their blood is eternally blended with the soils of our land.
“Their dreams, hopes and aspirations are alive from generation to generation.”
He encouraged citizens to remain vigilant in protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty, describing freedom as a responsibility that requires constant stewardship.
Across the country, provincial and district commemorations mirrored the spirit of the national event, with Provincial Ministers of State leading proceedings and reading the President’s address.
In Harare, commemorations at the provincial shrine in Warren Park Hills were led by Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Charles Tawengwa.
Proceedings began with a moment of silence at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the minister joined delegates in honouring the fallen heroes of the liberation struggle.
The programme featured chimurenga music, poetry, traditional dances and mbira performances, creating an atmosphere that blended remembrance with celebration of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.
Minister Tawengwa also presented awards to war veterans, war collaborators and other individuals recognised for their contributions to the liberation struggle before laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
For families whose relatives lie at the country’s shrines, Heroes Day remains deeply personal.
Dr Lena Kudzai Chimuti, daughter-in-law of the late liberation hero Cde Crispen Chimuti, said her family had attended the commemorations for the past 15 years to preserve his legacy and pass it on to younger generations.
“What he left for us as a family is a legacy of sovereignty, a legacy of self-reliance, of understanding that this is our land, Zimbabwe is our land and Zimbabwe will always be our home,” said Dr Chimuti.
“Our duty and our job is to safeguard the resources that we have, to make sure that we are self-reliant.”
In an interview in Harare’s central business district, Mr Archibald Tanda said the liberation struggle was a worthwhile sacrifice whose values must be preserved by future generations.
Zanu PF shadow legislator for Southerton Constituency, Cde Andrew Makahamadze, said the gains of independence were evident in the country’s growth, infrastructure development and economic empowerment initiatives.
At Africa Unity Square, flower vendor Mrs Fortunate Pangeti said many families continued to honour relatives who died during the liberation struggle, with vendors making flowers affordable to ensure more people could participate in commemorating the country’s heroes and heroines.
In Mashonaland East, thousands gathered at the provincial shrine in Marondera, where Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Itayi Ndudzo presided over commemorations.
After inspecting a guard of honour and leading a moment of silence for fallen heroes and heroines, Adv Ndudzo read the President’s speech and later presented medals to 200 freedom fighters in recognition of their contribution to the country’s independence.
Residents said the occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by liberation fighters and the responsibility of future generations to defend the country’s independence.
Marondera East legislator Cde Vimbayi Mutokonyi said the peace, stability and empowerment programmes being witnessed across the country were a direct result of the sacrifices made by the nation’s heroes and heroines.
In Mashonaland West, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo led commemorations at the Chinhoyi Provincial Heroes Acre, where she inspected a quarter guard and laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The commemorations were further enriched by the arrival of eight people who completed a two-day, 90-kilometre walk from Karoi to Chinhoyi in honour of the country’s liberation heroes and heroines.
In Mashonaland Central, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo led proceedings attended by Government officials, war veterans and community members.
In Masvingo, hundreds gathered at the Masvingo Provincial Heroes Acre in Hillside suburb.
The commemorations were marked by pomp and fanfare as Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira led proceedings alongside senior Government officials, service chiefs, war veterans and Zanu PF leaders.
Minister Chadzamira later interacted with relatives of liberation heroes and reiterated Government’s commitment to supporting families of those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom.
He said the Second Republic’s policy of leaving no one and no place behind extended to families of liberation heroes, who should benefit from national empowerment programmes.
In Bulawayo, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube led commemorations at the Nkulumane Provincial Heroes Acre.
Among those in attendance were Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, members of the Joint Operations Command and provincial political leaders.
Minister Ncube inspected a guard of honour before reading the President’s speech to hundreds gathered at the shrine, including widows and relatives of fallen heroes and heroines.
She later toured graves at the shrine and paid tribute to the late Retired Colonel Petros Khumalo, affectionately known by his liberation war name, Cde Mpondo, the only national hero buried at the provincial shrine.
In Matabeleland South, hundreds gathered at the provincial shrine in Gwanda, where Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe led commemorations attended by Cabinet ministers, legislators, service chiefs, war veterans and residents.
After inspecting a quarter guard mounted by members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Minister Nguluvhe read the President’s speech and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
He later visited all 44 graves at the shrine and interacted with families of fallen heroes.
Traditional dance groups, school performers, the Zimbabwe National Army Band and arts groups provided entertainment throughout the day.
In Beitbridge, hundreds of people from across the political divide gathered at the district shrine in Makakavhule.
Acting District Development Coordinator Mr Jahson Mugodzwa led proceedings and read the President’s speech.
The commemorations brought together Government officials, war veterans, civic leaders and residents in a demonstration of unity and shared national identity.
The renowned LMG Choir from Matabeleland South entertained the gathering with liberation songs, while other performances were delivered by the Revolutionary Choir, The Refugees Band, poets and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service Inmates Performing Arts Group.
Twenty-two liberation heroes and heroines are interred at the district shrine.
Speaking on behalf of war veterans, retired Police Commissioner Percy Ndou encouraged communities to honour the sacrifices of liberation fighters by promoting peace, development and social responsibility.
In Plumtree, hundreds gathered at the Bulilima-Mangwe District Heroes Acre to commemorate the day.
A wreath-laying ceremony was conducted after a moment of silence in honour of fallen heroes and heroines. Families were also given an opportunity to visit and pay tribute at the graves of their loved ones.
In Matabeleland North, hundreds converged at the provincial shrine in Lupane, where Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo led commemorations attended by senior Government officials, traditional leaders, war veterans and service chiefs.
The Midlands provincial commemorations were held in Gweru under the leadership of Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube.
The provincial shrine is the final resting place of 288 freedom fighters comprising 253 heroes and 35 heroines.
Minister Ncube laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before interacting with families and friends of those interred at the shrine.
Meanwhile, at the Tongogara Heroes Shrine in Shurugwi, hundreds attended district commemorations described by traditional leaders as the largest ever held in the area.
Shurugwi District Development Coordinator Mr Romeo Shangwe delivered the President’s speech, while traditional leaders, Government officials and community members joined families of liberation war heroes in paying tribute to the fallen.
Across Zimbabwe, the commemorations carried a common message — that the freedoms enjoyed today were won through immense sacrifice and that the responsibility to preserve the country’s sovereignty, unity and prosperity now rests with every citizen.
As the nation reflected on its liberation journey, the message from shrines across the country was clear: some heroes and heroes may have fallen, but their legacy remains alive in the hearts, aspirations and collective future of Zimbabwe.
Today, the nation commemorates Defence Forces Day, an annual national public holiday dedicated to honouring the active-duty men and women of the military for their service, sacrifice and commitment to safeguarding the nation.
President Mnangagwa will lead the commemorations at Rufaro Stadium in Mbare while Provincial Ministers of State will preside over provincial celebrations.
