Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure and Farirai Machivenyika
THE country’s liberation struggle remains a powerful source of inspiration for national development, with the heroes and heroines having laid the foundation for sovereignty, self-determination and economic empowerment, stakeholders said yesterday.
Zanu PF secretary for Information and Publicity Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa said the 46th Heroes and Defence Forces Day commemorations provide an opportunity to reflect on the values of the liberation struggle and their relevance to contemporary nation-building.
“The Samora Machel-Soweto ‘76 Generation of Supreme Sacrifice in Southern Africa goes into the annals of history for its seminal contribution to the African Renaissance,” he said.
“The Chimurenga-Umvukela national liberation war of the 1960s to 1980 wrought a chapter of remarkable military resurgence. An African army brought the Rhodesian Army, the cat’s paw of the imperial army of the once mighty British Empire, to heel. All told, it was an outstanding feat of modern arms.”
Ambassador Mutsvangwa said the most fitting tribute to the country’s heroes was the delivery of prosperity and development as the reward for their sacrifice.
President Mnangagwa and the Second Republic, he said, were making significant strides towards transforming the country into a prosperous economy.
Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK) chief executive Ambassador Kwame Muzawazi said Heroes Day was an important occasion for reflecting on the principles that underpinned the liberation struggle.
In a statement, Ambassador Muzawazi said the 2026 Heroes Day commemorations honoured the men and women whose courage, sacrifice and determination secured the country’s independence and contributed to the liberation of Southern Africa.
“Heroes Day is more than an annual holiday. It is an opportunity to reflect on the values that underpin Zimbabwe’s liberation patriotism, courage, unity, self-determination, sacrifice and an unwavering belief in the right of Africans to determine their own destiny,” he said.
Ambassador Muzawazi said INSTAK remained committed to preserving and disseminating the history of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
“As INSTAK celebrates its 10th anniversary, the preservation and transmission of this history is central to our mission of advancing African knowledge, heritage and liberation.
“This responsibility is particularly important for young Zimbabweans, knowing that history is not simply about remembering the past; it is about understanding the responsibilities that accompany freedom and inspiring young people to contribute meaningfully to a shared future.
“The Museum of African Liberation, being developed by INSTAK at Liberation City, is part of this national and continental responsibility. It will preserve the stories, artefacts, records and experiences of Africa’s liberation movements, ensuring that future generations can encounter their history through an authentically African narrative,” he added.
An empowerment lobby group, BoysDzaMdara, has paid tribute to the country’s heroes and heroines, saying their sacrifice continues to inspire young people to contribute to national development. The organisation’s chairman, Cde Hopewell Chako, said: “Their courage, unity and vision laid the foundation for the Zimbabwe we are building today. As a youth entrepreneurship organisation, we are inspired by the same spirit of determination, hard work, and love for our country.”
In line with Vision 2030, Cde Chako said they were committed to preserving the legacy of the country’s heroes through job creation and youth empowerment projects in agriculture, manufacturing and mining.
