Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka [email protected]
BULAWAYO is ready to commemorate this year’s Heroes Day and Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Day, with Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial chairperson Cde Jabulani Sibanda expressing confidence that the city is fully prepared to join the rest of the country in honouring the sacrifices of the nation’s liberation heroes and heroines.
The Heroes Day commemorations will be held on August 10 under the theme: “Lest We Forget,” while Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day will be observed on August 11 under the theme: “ZDF: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030.”
Provincial Heroes Day commemorations in Bulawayo will be held at the provincial shrine in Nkulumane, while White City Stadium will host the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations.
National commemorations will be held at the National Heroes Acre and Rufaro Stadium in Harare.
Speaking on the sidelines of the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) Heroes’ Day Photographic Exhibition on Monday, Cde Sibanda said preparations in the province were at an advanced stage, adding that Bulawayo was ready to host the commemorations.
“As Bulawayo province, we are fully prepared for this year’s commemorations.
“We are ready because remembering and honouring our heroes has become part of our culture and way of life,” he said.
“Through our actions, we continue to demonstrate that we are carrying forward the responsibilities and ideals for which they fought and sacrificed.”
Cde Sibanda said Heroes Day should not be viewed as a once-off annual event, but rather as a continuous national responsibility that should be reflected in the conduct, values and patriotism of every Zimbabwean.
“Bulawayo has always been at the centre of many important national programmes.
“As we move towards Heroes Day, we want to emphasise that, as a nation, we commemorate our heroes every day of the year,” he said. “Everything we do, everything we say and the way we conduct ourselves should reflect our appreciation of those who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of this country,” he said.
Cde Sibanda said the annual commemorations provide Zimbabweans with an opportunity to unite in honouring the men and women whose sacrifices secured the country’s independence.
“The commemorations themselves provide an opportunity for Zimbabweans to come together in unity, sing together, visit the shrines of our heroes and heroines, and honour their immense contribution to the country’s independence.
“Even for those whose remains are not interred at the National Heroes Acre or provincial shrines, our remembrance extends to them because they equally made sacrifices for the nation,” said Cde Sibanda.
He said true commemoration extends beyond attending official ceremonies and should be reflected in citizens’ daily lives.
“Heroes Day reminds us that honouring our liberation icons goes beyond attending commemorative events.
“It’s demonstrated through our daily conduct, our political consciousness, the way we work, communicate and interact with one another. It’s also reflected in promoting unity, inclusivity and rejecting divisions based on tribe or any other differences.
“Commemorating our heroes is, therefore, a daily responsibility for every Zimbabwean,” said Cde Sibanda.
The commemorations come as Zimbabwe continues to celebrate the legacy of the liberation struggle and the role played by freedom fighters in securing the country’s independence in 1980.
Heroes Day, commemorated annually on the second Monday of August, is dedicated to recognising the sacrifices of the country’s liberation heroes and heroines who fought against colonial rule.
The following day is reserved for Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day, which honours the contribution of members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.
This year’s commemorations are expected to draw thousands of people across the country’s provinces, with Government, war veterans, youths, members of the security services and the public expected to participate in activities celebrating Zimbabwe’s liberation heritage and reaffirming national unity and patriotism.
