Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
THE Mashonaland Central Provincial Heroes Acre has regained its dignity after RAN Mine completed the construction of a secure perimeter fence, ending years of unrestricted public access that had turned the national shrine into a pedestrian shortcut and exposed it to vandalism, littering and other acts of disrespect.
The installation of the high-security clear-view fence and commemorative billboards has transformed the Provincial Heroes Acre into a protected national heritage site, preserving the sanctity of the final resting place of the province’s liberation heroes.
For years, residents routinely crossed through the shrine on foot, undermining the solemnity of a site dedicated to the men and women who sacrificed their lives for Zimbabwe’s independence.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo said the project had restored the dignity of the Provincial Heroes Acre while ensuring it remained protected for future generations.
“This sacred shrine is the final resting place of our gallant sons and daughters who paid the ultimate price for the freedom, peace and independence we enjoy today,” he said.
“The fence will go a long way in safeguarding the dignity of this sacred shrine, protecting it from encroachment and vandalism, and ensuring that future generations continue to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of our national heroes.”
Minister Magomo commended RAN Mine for complementing Government efforts through its corporate social responsibility programme, describing the donation as a practical demonstration of President Mnangagwa’s development philosophy, Nyika Inovakwa neVene Vayo.
He noted that the mining company had consistently invested in community development initiatives, including the donation of desks and chairs to RAN Mine Primary School.
While applauding the latest intervention, Minister Magomo said the Provincial Heroes Acre still required further development to match its historical significance.
He appealed to mining companies, financial institutions, local authorities, contractors and other corporate organisations to partner with Government in constructing a Heroes Museum, a Roll of Honour, modern ablution facilities and improved pathways, while also supporting terracing and landscaping of the escarpment, enhanced lighting and general beautification of the site.
“As Government, we value and greatly appreciate the contribution that you continue to make through your corporate social responsibility programmes. However, we kindly ask you to do even more,” he said.
“The Provincial Heroes Acre is a provincial and national heritage site that belongs to every Zimbabwean. Every organisation has a role to play, and every contribution counts.”
Residents also welcomed the development, saying unrestricted access had for years reduced the Provincial Heroes Acre to a public thoroughfare, compromising the respect and reverence that should be accorded to the country’s liberation heroes.
They expressed hope that the new security fence would preserve the shrine’s sanctity while encouraging greater investment in its continued development as a place of national remembrance.
