Matabeleland North ready for Heroes, Defence Forces Day commemorations

Cde Richard Moyo

MATABELELAND North Province has declared its readiness to host this year’s provincial Heroes Day and Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Day commemorations, with all preparations now at an advanced stage.

The 2026 National Heroes Day commemorations will be held on August 10 under the theme, “Lest We Forget,” as Government continues its drive to preserve the country’s liberation heritage through the rehabilitation of historic liberation war sites and the promotion of national unity.

In a side interview with Zimpapers during the commissioning of the Kasambabezi Border Post in Binga on Friday, Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo said the province was fully prepared to join the rest of the country in honouring the heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives for Zimbabwe’s independence, as well as recognising the role of the country’s uniformed forces.

“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,” said Minister Moyo.

“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.”

Lupane District Development Coordinator Mrs Ennete Sithole said the State Occasions Committee had already met twice to finalise preparations for the two national events.

“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 stakeholders across the province were working together to ensure the commemorations are held successfully and in a manner befitting the sacrifices made by the country’s liberation heroes and the service rendered by members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.