Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
PREPARATIONS for the upcoming Heroes and Defence Forces Day are in full swing in Manicaland, with a series of clean-up campaigns underway at heroes’ acres across the province.
The initiatives, spearheaded by the Children of War Veterans, aim to restore the dignity of these sacred sites, ensuring they are well-manicured and immaculate for the commemorations.
Yesterday, Mrs Rosina Mugadza, patron of the Manicaland Province Clean-Up campaign and wife of Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, led a clean-up exercise at the provincial heroes’ acre in Mutare.
Mrs Mugadza urged citizens to embrace a culture of cleanliness and high hygiene standards, paying tribute to both departed and living heroes. Her call to action emphasizes the importance of community involvement in preserving the integrity of these revered sites.
“These veterans who lie here, the Heroes and Heroines of our Province and our country, sacrificed immensely for the freedom we have, leaving us a beautiful country which we must all maintain. As our President, His Excellency Dr ED Mnangagwa has directed, we should make it a culture to ensure that all our surroundings are clean and free from litter, including this respected shrine.
“This is why we are grateful to the children of war veterans who took the commendable initiative to clean up this Provincial Heroes Acre, a place which this month of August holds high significance as we thank our heroes, living and departed, as well as our Defence Forces for their sacrifices,” she said.
Chairman of the Children of War Veterans Association Manicaland, Cde Willis Nyamande said they are forever grateful to the contributions made by war veterans to liberate this country and they will continue to remember them and taking care of their burial site.
“We are happy to roll out the clean-up campaigns on all heroes’ acres across Manicaland province. We started with the Butcher Site in Rusape last week and now we at the provincial Heroes Acre. We are going to cover all the heroes’ acres before the commemorations.
“It is our duty and responsibility to make sure where our departed fathers and mothers resting places are always in good condition befitting their contributions to liberate this country. The freedom we enjoy today it’s because of their supreme sacrifice. Their selflessness was second to none and we cherish that.
“We are also working with other stakeholders including the government to improve the infrastructure at these shrines such as sheds to house people during commemorations and funerals, provision of adequate water and improved fencing for security,” he said.
