Online Reporter
Zimpapers Writers
SCORES of people across the country yesterday thronged provincial heroes’ acres to commemorate the 45th Heroes Day, paying tribute to the nation’s gallant sons and daughters for their supreme sacrifices in the liberation struggle.
In Bulawayo, the provincial shrine was packed with service chiefs, civil servants, youths, families of fallen heroes and heroines and senior Government officials, including Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works Albert Mavunga, Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association chairperson Cde Cephas Ncube, Zanu-PF Bulawayo Provincial chairperson Cde Jabulani Sibanda, Pelandaba-Tshabalala legislator Cde Joseph Tshuma, the city’s deputy mayor, Councillor Edwin Ndlovu, councillors and other dignitaries.
The day began with people arriving as early as 7am. Proceedings officially started at 11am with the arrival of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, who inspected a quarter guard mounted by members of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) before reading President Mnangagwa’s speech.
Cde Ncube, together with service chiefs and leaders from war veterans, ex-detainees and collaborators’ associations, laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before touring the graves with families of the fallen heroes.
Entertainment came from local artistes, including two young poets — Sinenhlanhla “Cde Sine” Sibanda, a Grade Five learner at Mafakela Primary and Candice Moyo, who is doing Grade Three at Herentals Primary — whose moving recitals earned them cash tokens from impressed dignitaries. Asa Group from Khami Maximum Prison and other arts groups also performed.
Clr Ndlovu stressed the day’s unifying importance regardless of political affiliations.
“It is very important that we celebrate this day regardless of our political affiliations. For example, I am from an opposition party, but I have five relatives who fought in the liberation war — three of whom have passed away, and two are still alive,” he said.
Relatives of fallen heroes expressed both gratitude and appeals for further support.
Mrs Charity Sibanda, widow of the late Cde Gideon Sibanda, thanked the Government for tombstones but appealed for widows’ pensions.
“Today we are happy as we are gathered here with other families to remember his works so that even his soul can acknowledge that we are still remembering him,” she said.
Mr Lawrence Ncube, husband of the late heroine Cde Beauty Buhle Nyoni, said he was proud to see his wife honoured.
“I’m happy my wife was also being celebrated today as one of the heroines interred at this important shrine,” he said.
Mbongeni Sibanda, who travelled from the United States to honour his father, Cde Raphael Sibanda, emphasised the importance of remembrance.
“We are happy to be here as a family, meeting with other families here celebrating the roles played by our relatives in the liberation of our dear country,” he said
Nobuhle Nkomo, daughter of the late Cde Baron Nkomo, urged the Government to assist children of war veterans to start income generating projects.
“As children of war veterans, we want the Government to assist us to start income generating projects,” she said.
In Matabeleland North, hundreds of people converged at the provincial capital, Lupane to commemorate the day,
The large crowd was a mixture of young people, the elderly and children who started making their way to the provincial heroes’ acre from villages across the district as early as 6AM.
Senior Government officials, Zanu-PF Politburo and Central Committee members, traditional leaders and service chiefs were also in attendance.
Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo read the President’s speech.
In Matabeleland South, Minister of State Cde Albert Nguluvhe led service chiefs, war veterans and political leaders in laying a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier before visiting graves and interacting with families.
Among those he interacted with were Zanu-PF Politburo member, Cde Abedinico Ncube, whose late wife, Cde Tracy Ncube, is among the 41 heroes and heroines interred at Gwanda provincial heroes’ acre.
Minister Nguluvhe inspected the quarter guard before delivering the President’s speech.
Entertainment came from the ZNA Band, Sabiwa Primary Traditional Dance group, Gwanda Prison Imbube troupe and other local artistes.
In the Midlands Province, hundreds of people converged at the Gweru provincial heroes’ acre to commemorate the day. From as early 8AM, people started making their way to the provincial shrine.
Zanu-PF Politburo members who include Engineer Daniel McKenzie Ncube and Central Committee members, traditional leaders and service chiefs, were also in attendance.
Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube arrived around 10 AM and inspected the quarter guard before reading President Mnangagwa’s speech.
Minister Ncube then presented medals to liberation war heroes and heroines.
Elsewhere, River Valley Group held its annual Heroes Day commemorations in Shurugwi.
River Valley Group, led by chief executive officer Dr Smelly Dube, hosted widows of the gallant sons who contributed to the liberation struggle.
“As a company, we took it upon ourselves to commemorate this day with the community of Shurugwi to honour the sacrifices made by the courageous sons and daughters who fought to liberate the country from colonial rule,” she said.
Food vouchers were also donated to patients at Gweru Provincial Hospital.
