Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau
PREPARATIONS for this year’s Heroes’ Day and Defence Forces Day commemorations in Matabeleland South Province are at an advanced stage, with various State occasions committees actively working to ensure the success of the events across the province.
The provincial Heroes’ Day ceremony is scheduled to take place at the provincial shrine in Gwanda Town on Monday, 11 August. This will run concurrently with the national event at the National Heroes’ Acre in Harare, alongside district-level commemorations at their respective shrines.
Defence Forces Day will follow on Tuesday, 12 August, with provincial celebrations set to be held at Phelandaba Stadium in Gwanda Town. National commemorations will take place at Rufaro Stadium in Harare.
The national event will as the norm be presided over by President Mnangagwa, who is also the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces while provincial ceremonies would be taken care of by Ministers of States for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in their respective provinces. The Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, said preparations were progressing well with mobilisation campaigns being conducted across the province to encourage wide public participation.
“In Matabeleland South, preparations for our Heroes’ Day commemorations are underway. We are also concurrently preparing for the Defence Forces Day, which will take place the following day.
“These two days are of paramount importance to our nation,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe underscored the importance of youth involvement in these commemorations, highlighting that the freedom and peace enjoyed today came at a considerable cost.
“We have our gallant sons and daughters, who fought to liberate this country and today we are reaping the rewards of their hard work and sacrifice. Many did not return, while others passed away in the post-independence era,” he said.
“Let us not take for granted the work that was done and continue to be done by those who have dedicated their lives to serving the nation. Their invaluable contributions play a crucial role in advancing the country’s development agenda.”
Heroes’ Day, observed annually on the second Monday of August, is one of the most revered dates on the national calendar. It is a time for the nation to unite in paying tribute to the men and women, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the protracted armed struggle, as well as those who served and died in the post-independence era.
The holiday was officially declared a national day of remembrance in 1980 through an Act of Parliament, following Zimbabwe’s attainment of independence.
This landmark recognition enabled the majority black population, previously excluded, to honour their heroes through memorial ceremonies, parades and other commemorative activities.
It also provides a platform for families and communities to come together to reflect on the legacies and sacrifices of their loved ones and the countless others, who fought for Zimbabwe’s sovereignty.
Defence Forces Day, marked the following day, celebrates the role played by Zimbabwe’s security forces in safeguarding peace, sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also acknowledges their contribution to nation-building and socio-economic development.
—@DubeMatutu
