Thousands mark Heroes Day

After the President’s speech, the late Senator Gordhanbhai Kantibhai Patel’s ashes were interred at the national shrine.
The President then led dignitaries in laying wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
He later led families of heroes and heroines buried at the national shrine in laying wreaths at respective graves.
In separate interviews, Zimbabweans said the day belonged to all the people despite political differences.
Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association leader Cde Jabulani Sibanda lauded the presence of MDC formations.
“They have since realised that they are not going to change anything, so they are now admirers of the same strength that they used to antagonise, the strength that busted colonialism, which they now realise is here to stay.
“This is a sign that they have made a realisation of what the fallen heroes stand for and it’s up to them to continue working with the rest of the country or they will have to stay away as we will never change,” Cde Sibanda said.
Deputy Chief Secretary for Economic Research and Policy Analysis in the Office of the President Retired, Colonel Christian Katsande, said Heroes Day celebrations embodied that focal point when Zimbabwe paused to reflect on the suffering of the people from the First to the Second Chimurenga.
“Many of the people who went to the war died so we need to spare this moment to remember them as our liberators.
“It was through their sacrifices that we were able to build such institutions as the Judiciary, Parliament and the Government.”
He said the biggest challenge presently was the need to guarantee that future generations would continue to realise the role played by the fallen freedom fighters and to celebrate their lives.
Zanu-PF Politburo member and veteran nationalist, Cde Josiah Hungwe, said the day was special to the country.
“Those who died for the country will also rejoice at our celebrations. I am happy that people have been walking all the way from town to this place for the sole purpose of celebrating this day.
“Those from other political parties were uncertain on the future of Zimbabwe at the beginning, but now realise that nothing is going to change and the people who fought for this country will forever remain our heroes,” said Cde Hungwe.
Zanu-PF Central Committee member, Cde Monica Mutsvangwa, said as Zimbabweans celebrated Heroes Day, they should remember that people went to the war for everyone to have equal opportunities.
She said the occasion was not for Zanu-PF, but a national event.
“Even those from other political parties that were not involved in the war have even benefited from the land reform programme and many of them are running businesses because the country is free.
“That 50-50 (gender) representation we clamour for is not a favour that we are seeking, but we earned that right when we went to war.
“Let us therefore celebrate the achievements of those who failed to live to see the fruits of their toil.”
MDC-T national organising secretary Mr Nelson Chamisa said: “There is no country that does not have heroes. Go to China, Britain and the United States, they have their heroes and they respect them. Let’s appreciate their effort.
“This is not for Zanu-PF, but for the entire nation. The liberation struggle was not only for Zanu-PF, but for all.”
In Mashonaland East Province, thousands turned out for the celebrations in Marondera.
Mashonaland East Provincial Governor and Resident Minister Cde Aeneas Chigwedere read the President’s speech after inspecting a guard of honour.
In Masvingo, Governor and Resident Minister Titus Maluleke inspected a quarter guard mounted by the ZNA before he proceeded to read the President’s speech.
In Beitbridge, scores of people thronged the district’s shrine to commemorate Heroes Day.
Beitbridge Senator Tambudzani Mohadi read the President’s speech and led the gathering in laying wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
In Mashonaland West, hundreds of people, including relatives of fallen heroes, gathered at Chinhoyi Heroes Acre to commemorate the day.
People were thrilled by a soccer match at Chinhoyi Stadium where Makonde and Chegutu district select teams battled for the inaugural Seven Heroes Tournament Trophy.
In Mashonaland Central and Manicaland provinces, Governors Martin Dinha and Chris Mushohwe presided over the events.
In Bulawayo, people gathered at the provincial shrine in Nkulumane.
Bulawayo metropolitan Governor Cain Mathema read the President’s speech and led security officers and family members in laying wreaths.
Senior Government officials and prominent leaders, among them Ambassador Phelekezela Mphoko, Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, Dr Dumiso Dabengwa, Mr Obert Sibanda, Mr Felix Magalela Mafa, Cde Absalom Sikhosana, Brigadier-General Thomas Moyo, ZPS Senior Assistant Commissioner James Claydon Seulah and ZRP’s Senior Assistant Commissioner Stephen Mutamba attended the commemorations.
Matabeleland North Governor Thokozile Mathuthu read the President’s speech and inspected the guard of honour in Lupane.
Governor Mathuthu, senior security officers and a representative of the province’s war veterans laid wreaths on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Matabeleland South Provincial Governor Angeline Masuku encouraged the people in the province to honour the contributions made by heroes to attain independence.
In Midlands Governor Jason Machaya led the proceedings, which were punctuated by entertainment from the army band from Battlefields in Kwekwe and inmates from Wha Wha Prison.
Governor Machaya presented 10 liberation war medals to living heroes in recognition of their continued sacrifice for the nation during and after the liberation struggle.