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and a national programme for the occasion is already out.
In an interview yesterday, the Co-Minister of Home Affairs, Kembo Mohadi, said a national committee was in place to administer the occasion dedicated to the fallen heroes whose sacrifices brought Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980.
The Ministry of Home Affairs chairs the committee. Other ministries in the committee include that of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development, Public Works and the Office of the President and Cabinet.
“Preparations for the Heroes Day commemorations are progressing well across the country and we have set up a national committee that is administering everything.
“The committee has since come up with the national programme for the event, which will then cascade to the provinces and all the districts across the country. I have since inspected the national shrine and everything is on course,” he said.
Minister Mohadi described the Heroes Day commemorations as an event that holds special significance to the country’s nationhood.
“Heroes Day is a very significant day that all Zimbabweans ought to respect and cherish as we remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by the gallant sons and daughters of Zimbabwe who liberated us from colonialism.
“These are the people who fought against colonial injustice and prejudices and paid a supreme price so that we all enjoy the freedom that we are having today including our land,” he said.
Minister Mohadi said it was important for all Zimbabweans irrespective of their political affiliation, to join hands and commemorate Heroes Day.
“Heroes Day is a moment of reincarnating the spirits of our heroes, those who sacrificed for our freedom and nationhood. Therefore it is important for every Zimbabwean regardless of their political affiliation or religion, to celebrate it.
“We are what we are today because of these people. Their sacrifice led to the independence of the country in 1980,” he said.
Minister Mohadi also expressed concern over the poor state of some provincial and district heroes’ acres. He urged councils and local communities to look after the shrines.
“As Ministry of Home Affairs we have a mandate and responsibility to maintain and look after the National Heroes Acre through the Department of Museums and National Monuments. However, it is also the duty of local authorities and communities to ensure that provincial and district heroes acres are also well looked after. Most of them are in a poor state,” he said.
This year, Zimbabwe commemorates Heroes and Defence Forces days on Monday and Tuesday next week.
Online Reporter