Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve and Peter Matika, Zimpapers Writers
PREPARATIONS for this year’s Heroes Day and Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day commemorations are at an advanced stage across Matabeleland, with Bulawayo and the two Matabeleland provinces declaring their readiness to host the national events.
The commemorations, scheduled for August 10 and 11, will be held countrywide, with provincial events taking place in Bulawayo, Lupane and Gwanda, while the main national celebrations will be held at the National Heroes Acre and Rufaro Stadium in Harare, respectively.
This year’s Heroes Day will be commemorated under the theme “Lest We Forget,” while Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Day will be observed under the theme “ZDF: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030.”
Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, said all logistical and administrative arrangements were on schedule.
“Everything is in full swing and we are optimistic of hosting pleasant commemorations. All logistics are in place to ensure we host a memorable and successful event,” she said.
In Bulawayo, Heroes Day commemorations will be held at the provincial shrine in Nkulumane, while the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations will take place at White City Stadium.
In Matabeleland North, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo said preparations in Lupane were progressing smoothly, with Government departments, local authorities and other stakeholders working together to ensure successful commemorations.
“We are ready to host our people in Lupane. All necessary arrangements are being finalised to ensure the day is commemorated with the dignity it deserves,” he said.
Minister Moyo urged members of the public to attend the commemorations in large numbers to honour the country’s liberation heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives for Zimbabwe’s independence.
In Lupane, Heroes Day commemorations will be held at the provincial heroes’ acre, while Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations will take place at Somhlolo Stadium.
Matabeleland South has also completed preparations for the two national events.
Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mrs Latiso Dlamini-Maseko, said provincial organising teams had been working tirelessly to ensure the commemorations are held successfully.
“We are happy with the progress of our preparations. As we have always done, we are committed to hosting a memorable event that underscores the importance of these national holidays,” she said.
In Gwanda, Heroes Day commemorations will be held at the provincial shrine, while Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations will take place at Phelandaba Stadium.
Meanwhile, preparations for the national commemorations are also complete.
The main Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations in Harare will feature a military parade, displays by members of the defence forces, a keynote address by President Mnangagwa, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe
Defence Forces, musical performances by Jah Prayzah and Sulumani Chimbetu, as well as a football match.
Ahead of the commemorations, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces successfully conducted its annual Community
Assistance Week from July 27 to 31, during which completed community development projects were handed over to beneficiaries across the country. These included Whunga Clinic in Beitbridge, Nikita Mangena Clinic in Mwenezi, the Civil Registry Office in Buhera and the Hallingbury Primary School ECD and ICT Complex in Harare.
Government will also deploy 162 buses nationwide to transport relatives of liberation heroes and heroines to national, provincial and district shrines, enabling them to participate in this year’s commemorations.
The annual commemorations celebrate the sacrifices made by the country’s liberation heroes and heroines while also recognising the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and peace.
