Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
MATABELELAND North is gearing up for this year’s provincial Heroes Day and Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Day commemorations, with Government expressing confidence that all logistical arrangements will be completed in time for the two national events in Lupane.
This year’s National Heroes Day commemorations will be held on August 10 under the theme “Lest We Forget,” with Zimbabweans across the country expected to honour the gallant sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence.
The following day will be dedicated to commemorating the role of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and hard-won independence.
The commemorations come as the Second Republic continues to preserve the country’s liberation heritage through the rehabilitation of liberation war shrines and historic sites, while promoting patriotism, national unity and the values of the liberation struggle in line with Vision 2030.
In an interview, Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo said all systems had been put in place to ensure successful commemorations.
“We are ready for the two days, all the systems have been put in place. Our Heroes Day commemorations will be held at the provincial shrine while the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations will take place at Somhlolo Stadium,” he said.
Minister Moyo said while Government has embraced the rotation of major national events to promote inclusive development across provinces, the provincial Heroes Day commemorations would remain in Lupane because of the historical significance of the provincial shrine.
“We would have loved to rotate these celebrations in line with the national agenda of rotating State events, but we cannot because the graves of our fallen heroes are at the provincial shrine in Lupane,” he said.
Minister Moyo said Government departments, local authorities and other stakeholders had been working closely together to ensure the commemorations are conducted in a dignified manner befitting the sacrifices made by the country’s liberation heroes and the service rendered by members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
Lupane District Development Co-ordinator Mrs Ennete Sithole said the State occasions’ committee had already met twice to fine-tune preparations.
“Resource mobilisation is ongoing from prospective donors within the province. Lupane East legislator Cde Phathisiwe Ncube has already donated 100 kilogrammes of rice, while the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has written to local authorities requesting their support towards the commemorations,” she said.
Mrs Sithole said the province was also organising several activities to coincide with the commemorations, including music performances and sporting events aimed at promoting community participation and fostering unity during the national holidays.
She said Government institutions, local authorities, the business community and other stakeholders were working together to ensure the commemorations are a success.
There are 39 liberation heroes buried at the Lupane Provincial Heroes Acre.
Mrs Sithole said it is important for the nation to honour the heroes’ sacrifice while also recognising the continued contribution of members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in defending the country’s sovereignty and supporting national development.
Under the Second Republic, Government has intensified efforts to preserve liberation heritage through the rehabilitation of national monuments, shrines and historic sites while promoting patriotic consciousness among younger generations as part of the country’s broader nation-building agenda.
