Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke, Zimpapers Correspondent
THE remains of five liberation stalwarts recently conferred with National Hero status by President Mnangagwa will today be reburied at the National Heroes Acre in Harare in a ceremony reserved for close family members.
The five are Cde Gwakuba Ndlovu, Cde Petros Khumalo, Cde Shumirai Wekwete, Cde Joseph Zethi Dube and Cde Herbert Zaba Sambo, whose elevation to National Hero status recognises their immense contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and post-independence nation-building.
Their reburial at the National Heroes Acre forms part of this year’s Heroes Day commemorations, which are being held under the theme “Lest We Forget”, underscoring the country’s commitment to honouring the sacrifices of those who fought for Zimbabwe’s freedom.
Director of Strategic Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Mr Mike Masaka, yesterday confirmed that all preparations for the reburial had been completed.
“The reburial of the five national heroes will take place tomorrow at the National Heroes Acre,” he said.
“It will be a private ceremony attended by members of the respective families and invited Government officials. All the necessary logistical arrangements have been finalised to ensure that the proceedings are conducted with the dignity and honour befitting the status of national heroes.”
Mr Masaka said the reburial symbolises the nation’s enduring gratitude to men and women who dedicated their lives to the liberation of Zimbabwe and the advancement of the country’s development agenda.
“Conferring National Hero status on these distinguished sons of the soil is a demonstration that Zimbabwe values and recognises those who made exceptional sacrifices in the liberation of our country,” he said.
“The National Heroes Acre remains the country’s highest place of honour, and it is fitting that these gallant cadres will now rest alongside other national heroes who fought tirelessly for the independence and sovereignty that Zimbabweans enjoy today.”
He said this year’s commemorations were expected to reinforce the importance of preserving the country’s liberation history for future generations.
“It is therefore important that we continue to honour our liberation heroes while passing on the values of patriotism, unity, resilience and national pride.”
President Mnangagwa recently bestowed National Hero status on the five liberation fighters in recognition of their distinguished service during the liberation struggle and their unwavering commitment to defending Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and contributing to national development after independence.
The National Heroes Acre, situated on a hill overlooking Harare, remains the country’s foremost shrine dedicated to those whose outstanding service to the nation earned them Zimbabwe’s highest national honour.
Today’s reburial is expected to be one of the key events ahead of this year’s national Heroes Day commemorations, which bring together Zimbabweans from all walks of life to pay tribute to the men and women whose sacrifices secured the country’s independence.
The occasion is expected to provide another opportunity for the nation to reflect on the values of unity, patriotism and selfless service exemplified by the liberation heroes, while reaffirming Government’s commitment to preserving the country’s liberation heritage for generations to come.
After independence in 1980, there was a massive effort to bring home the remains of fallen heroes buried both inside and outside of Zimbabwe. Under the Second Republic, a sizeable number of post burials have been made at the National Heroes Acre. This operation underscores the Second Republic’s commitment to honouring fallen heroes who made a huge sacrifice to liberate the country.
The reburial of national heroes involves locating, identifying, and bringing their remains for a dignified final resting place at the National Heroes Acre.
The following are some of great sons of the country that were granted the hero status post-burial:
Hebert Chitepo
Jason Moyo
Josiah Tongogara
Leopold Takawira
Alfred Nikita Mangena
Brig Gen Chitekedza
Ethan Dube
