Nation urged to honour sacrifices made by liberation war fighters

Chronicle Reporters

ZIMBABWE commemorates Heroes’ Day today and the Defence Forces’ Day tomorrow, with Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube urging people in the province to honour the sacrifices made by gallant sons and daughters to liberate the country.

In an interview yesterday, Minister Ncube said it was important for everyone to show appreciation of the sacrifices that were made by the country’s heroes to liberate the country.

“We’ve once again come to that time when our nation remembers our heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle that gave birth to the Independence we enjoy today. As we gather on Heroes’ Day and Defence Forces’ Day, we should remember the sacrifices that were made by our gallant comrades, both living and departed, to liberate our country from colonialism. I urge all people from Bulawayo and surrounding areas to come out in their large numbers to show their support and appreciation as we commemorate these significant days,” said Minister Ncube.

She said the Heroes’ Day commemorations will be held at the Provincial Heroes’ Acre in Nkulumane while the Defence Forces’ Day will be held at White City Stadium.

The Minister urged those who are travelling to exercise caution on the roads to avoid accidents and loss of lives.

According to information released by the Bulawayo provincial organising committee, buses will start picking up people at 7AM from different pick up points in all the wards.

In Matabeleland North, members of the Defence Forces were already in Lupane doing rehearsals while a Zupco bus had been organised to carry locals to the provincial shrine today and Somhlolo Stadium tomorrow.

Provincial Administrator, Ms Latiso Dlamini, said Government has chipped in with ZWL$20 000 towards the commemorations. “We are busy mobilising but companies are facing economic challenges hence what we got was minimal. We got ZWL$20 000 from Government. As we speak we are on the ground organising things,” she said.

Matabeleland South provincial administrator, Ms Sithandiwe Ncube, said Heroes’ Day will be held at the Provincial Heroes’ Acre in Gwanda while the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ Day celebrations will be held at Pelandaba Stadium.

In the Midlands province, the Provincial Affairs Minister Cde Larry Mavima said everything was in place for the two days.

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