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Lovemore Kadzura
Rusape Correspondent
On August 14, all roads will lead to Vengere Stadium in Rusape for the Heroes Gala where several artistes are scheduled to entertain thousands of people in honour of the gallant sons and daughters of Zimbabwe who sacrificed their lives to liberate the country from the jaws of colonialism.
The Heroes Gala will be the first national music fete to be held in Rusape, which is a true testimony of the Second Republic’s devolution agenda.
The proposed artistes include Sulumani Chimbetu, Cheso Boys, the Police Band, Nicholas Zachariah, Dorcas Moyo, Agatha Murudzwa, Chief Hwenje, Ma-nine, Bio Mudimba, DJ Fantan, Mathias Mhere, Iyasa, Michael Mahendere, Enzo Ishall, Mambo Duterere, Tambaoga, Romeo Gasa and Mark Ngwazi.
In a post- Cabinet media briefing early this week, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said: “The 2023 national Heroes Day commemorations will be held at the National Heroes’ Acre on Monday, August 14, 2023, under the theme ‘Remembering Our Heroes – Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo/Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo’.
“Preparations for the event are well on course, with adequate logistical arrangements for the mobilisation and transportation of members of the public to and from the venue having been made.
“A Heroes Gala will be held at Vengere Stadium in Rusape Town, Manicaland Province, on the night of August 14, 2023 with 23 artistes expected to perform,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
The Heroes Gala in Rusape is befitting as Makoni District was one of the areas that bore the most brunt of colonial cruelty due to the high presence of white commercial farmers in the area.
The Rhodesian Forces turned Castle Base Kop in Rusape into a torture camp where hundreds of innocent civilians, including women and children, were raped, tortured, killed and buried in shallow graves.
The area is now the Heroes’ Acre for Makoni District.
Rusape Town Council acting secretary, Togarepi Nerwande said they have put in place measures to ensure a flawless gig, and are working with various departments to make the day memorable.
“We are elated to host this year’s Heroes Gala, and we are more than ready for this big day. We feel honoured and recognised for being chosen to be the hosts. We have recruited extra casual workers to work on the stadium. There is running water and a solar powered borehole on stand-by.
“Our ablution facilities are in good state, both in the VIP and general stands. We have a local organising committee being led by the District Development Coordinator, Edwin Mashindi. The committee comprises of heads of Government ministries at district level and local authorities.
“There is enough accommodation, from lodges to hotels. We have also engaged local boarding schools for them to accommodate some visitors and performing artistes,” said Nerwande.
A number of musicians who spoke to Weekender Entertainment said they are raring to go.
The hosting of the gala is also an opportunity for local artistes to showcase their talent.
“It is a positive move for local musicians to participate at the national event. National galas are important because they give a platform to upcoming musicians to market themselves, and forgotten artistes use them to revive their careers,” said Makoni Arts Association chairman, David Maenzanise.
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