Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
MINISTER of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, has said preparations for the upcoming Heroes and Defence Forces celebrations are at an advanced stage and has urged people to come in their numbers at both the provincial shrine and Phelandaba Stadium.
The Matabeleland South Heroes’ Day commemorations will be held at the provincial shrine in Gwanda District on Monday while the Defence Forces’ celebrations will be held on the following day at Phelandaba Stadium.
Districts will also hold heroes day commemorations at their district shrines.
“Preparations for the Heroes Day and Defence Forces’ Day celebrations are now at an advanced stage and all the committees at different levels have been working vigorously to ensure that the two events are a success,” said Cde Nguluvhe.
“All our seven districts will be holding Heroes’ Day celebrations while the main provincial celebrations will be held at our provincial shrine in Gwanda.
“Our Defence Forces’ Day celebrations will be at Phelandaba Stadium in Gwanda. War veterans will be presented with medals during the Heroes celebrations at the provincial shrine,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said Heroes and Defence Forces celebrations were significant hence it was the duty of every citizen from the province to observe these days. He said the impact of the work, which was done by the liberation fighters cannot be over emphasised.
“We’ve to appreciate and recognise the work, which was done by liberation fighters. They sacrificed their lives for us to enjoy the freedom that we have today, which has helped to restore our dignity and identity that colonisers had taken away from us,” he said.
“Families lost parents, children, uncles and aunties fighting our colonisers. All these efforts were not in vain hence the need for all of us to honour and respect the fallen heroes by participating and being part of these celebrations. These events are not for a particular political party, community or age group but they are for everyone,” said Cde Nguluvhe.
Minister Nguluvhe said Zimbabwe’s independence was achieved as result of sacrifice by the liberation fighters drawn from Zanla and Zipra forces who were later integrated to form the Zimbabwe National Army. He said the country’s Defence Force is recognised for being disciplined and effective. Minister Nguluvhe said the Defence Forces play a crucial role in ensuring peace and tranquility.
“Transport will be mobilised to ferry people from various parts of the province to the venues of the celebrations.
“We have mobilised enough resources to feed the people. I, therefore, urge everyone to be part of these celebrations. I would also like to urge members of the business community to support these celebrations with resources,” he said.
Heroes’ Day, which is celebrated annually on the second Monday of August will this year be held on August 10, 2026. The day honours the men and women who sacrificed their lives during the liberation struggle.
The main event will be held at the National Heroes Acre in Harare and there will also be celebrations at provincial and district level across the country. The theme for this year’s celebrations is: “Lest We Forget”.
The Defence Forces Day is observed annually on the Tuesday immediately following Heroes’ Day and will be celebrated on August 11, 2026 under the theme: “ZDF: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030”.
The day recognises the role of active and retired members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in maintaining peace, security, and national sovereignty. The main event will be celebrated with military displays and parades at Rufaro Stadium in Harare and there will also be provincial celebrations across the country.
— @DubeMatutu
