Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
MANICALAND is set to commemorate Heroes Day and Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Day through a blend of remembrance, nation-building initiatives and historical reflection, with provincial celebrations in Mutare, the commissioning of a new Civil Registry Office in Buhera, and a pilgrimage to liberation war shrines in neighbouring Mozambique.
The commemorations, which are running under the theme: “Lest We Forget”, will see Government officials, war veterans, traditional leaders and community members gathering to honour the sacrifices made by the country’s liberation heroes and heroines.
The ZDF Day celebrations will be held under the theme: “ZDF: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030.”
A key highlight of this year’s programme is the handover of the newly constructed Maneta Civil Registry Office in Buhera today (Friday), a project that demonstrates the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ contribution to national development beyond its traditional security mandate.
The facility, built by ZDF artisans with support from World Vision, Women’s Action Group, Buhera Central Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and the local community, is expected to improve access to civil registration services for residents of Wards 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 32.
By bringing birth registration, death registration and national identity documentation services closer to communities, the office is expected to reduce travel costs and improve service delivery in the district.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, is expected to deliver Presidential messages during the provincial Heroes Day commemorations at the Mutare Provincial Heroes Acre on Monday and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations at Sakubva Stadium on Tuesday.
The Heroes Day commemorations will feature military parades, wreath-laying ceremonies and tributes to liberation war heroes and veterans who played a pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence.
ZDF Day will celebrate the contribution of serving and retired members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, peace and security. The programme will include military displays, drills and entertainment, while district-level celebrations will also be held across the province.
Manicaland Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Abiot Maronge, said preparations for the commemorations are progressing well.
“Our teams are on the ground carrying out refurbishment works at both the Provincial Heroes Acre and District Heroes Acres. So far, we have drilled and installed a borehole at the Provincial Heroes Acre, while another one is expected to be completed at Bazeley Bridge in Mutare Rural by the end of this week.
“We want to improve the state of all our Heroes Acres because these are important national monuments that deserve proper maintenance and preservation,” said Mr Maronge.
Mr Maronge said a delegation comprising war veterans and provincial leadership will travel to Mozambique to pay homage to thousands of liberation fighters buried at former wartime camps and shrines.
The delegation is expected to visit historic sites including Nyadzonia, Chimoio, Tembwe, Nyangao, Tongogara Memorial and Changara, among others.
These sites hold immense historical significance, having been home to training camps, refugee facilities and operational bases that came under attack by Rhodesian forces during the liberation struggle.
Other shrines on the itinerary include Madulu, Mapai, Chibavava, Mavonde, Espungabeira and Save, where many liberation fighters and refugees are buried, often in mass graves and in some cases unmarked resting places.
“There will be a delegation travelling to Chimoio and other liberation shrines in preparation for the commemorations. These visits are important because they help preserve our national history and honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for Zimbabwe’s freedom,” said Mr Maronge.
He encouraged members of the public to attend the ZDF Day celebrations at Sakubva Stadium.
“Sakubva Stadium is centrally located and easily accessible. Our uniformed forces will showcase military drills and displays, and there will be entertainment for families and residents. It promises to be an exciting event,” he said.
Mr Maronge also highlighted the Defence Forces’ growing role in supporting community development projects across the province.
“Our uniformed forces continue to assist with the construction of schools, clinics and other critical public infrastructure, complementing Government efforts to improve people’s livelihoods and achieve Vision 2030,” he said.
ZANU PF Manicaland provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza, said the commemorations provide an important opportunity for Zimbabweans to honour the sacrifices of liberation war heroes and heroines.
“Those who fought for the country’s independence, security and development deserve to be honoured with dignity and respect. The freedoms we enjoy today were achieved through the sacrifices of both fallen and living heroes and heroines. As a nation, we must continue to celebrate and remember them,” he said.
Cde Mukodza said a provincial delegation comprising party members and war veterans would travel to Mozambique on August 6 as part of the commemorative activities.
“The delegation will be led by war veterans who have first-hand knowledge of what transpired at these shrines during the liberation struggle. Their role is to ensure that younger generations, including youths, teachers and professionals, gain a deeper appreciation of the history of the liberation struggle and the sacrifices made to secure Zimbabwe’s independence,” he said.
He also commended the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for its involvement in community development projects.
“The ZDF continues to play an important role in national development through the construction of schools, clinics, bridges and registry offices. These initiatives demonstrate its commitment to improving communities and supporting Government efforts to achieve Vision 2030 in line with President Mnangagwa’s development agenda,” said Cde Mukodza.
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Moffat Mungazi