Thousands remember heroes

Bulawayo, Lupane, Gwanda, Gweru and Masvingo to pay tribute to fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives to liberate the country from colonial bondage.

 

The main celebrations were held at the National Heroes Acre in Harare where President Mugabe led the proceedings.

Districts across the country also held their own celebrations.

In Bulawayo scores of people who included the heroes’ family members, war veterans, ordinary people, members of the uniformed forces and the business community gathered at the provincial shrine in Nkulumane.

Senior Government officials and prominent leaders such as Ambassador Phelekezela Mphoko, Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, Dr Dumiso Dabengwa, Mr Obert Sibanda, Felix Magalela Mafa, Absalom Sikhosana, Brigadier-General Thomas Moyo, Senior Assistant Commissioner James Claydon Seulah and Senior Assistant Commissioner Stephen Mutamba were also present.

The proceedings began at about 10am with the singing of the national anthem, which was followed by a spirited devotion from the Zimbabwe National Army chaplain.

Bulawayo Governor Cain Mathema read the President’s speech and led the security officers and family members in laying the wreaths.

A sombre atmosphere engulfed the entire place as family members and friends visited the graves of their departed loved ones.

Others could be seen shedding tears while some knelt and prayed.

Governor Mathema moved around the shrine comforting the families.

Some families complained over delays in sprucing up the shrine.

Different entertainment groups kept the large gathering alive with their performances that reminded the people about the role the heroes played in bringing the freedom Zimbabweans are enjoying today.

Matabeleland North Governor Thokozile Mathuthu read the President’s speech and inspected the guard of honour in Lupane.

The Zimbabwe National Army Band led the crowd in singing the national anthem.

A moment of silence was observed to remember all the country’s gallant sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives to liberate the country.

Governor Mathuthu, senior security officers and a representative of the province’s war veterans laid wreaths on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

To spice up the event, dance groups and poets entertained the crowd and reminded the people about the liberation struggle.

Governor Mathuthu proceeded to the heroes’ graves and comforted the families who were also laying wreaths.

In Matabeleland South relatives of heroes came in large numbers to pay their respects to their departed loved ones. Provincial Governor Angeline Masuku encouraged the people in the province to honour sons and daughters that sacrificed their lives to liberate the country from the colonial yoke.

She said people should remain united to promote development as they have been empowered economically.

Also present were Zanu-PF Matabeleland South provincial chairman Cde Andrew Langa, senior civil servants and security officers in the province.

The border town of Beitbridge also burst into life as scores of people from all walks of life gathered at the local district heroes acre to commemorate the important day with Senator Tambudzani Mohadi leading the proceedings.

Sen Mohadi bemoaned the poor state of the district heroes’ acre and urged the local business community and other stakeholders to join hands with families of the fallen heroes to rehabilitate the shrine.

In the Midlands, Governor Cde Jason Machaya led the proceedings, which were punctuated by captivating entertainment from the army band from Battlefields in Kwekwe and inmates from Wha Wha Prison.

Cde Machaya presented ten liberation war fighters from the ten districts in the province with some medals in recognition of their sacrifice during and after the liberation struggle.

Also present were senior provincial security officers, Public Service Minister Lucia Matibenga, Gweru Mayor Councillor Tedious Chimombe and war veterans.

Cde Machaya urged the youths to participate in commemorating national events such as the Heroes Day.

Masvingo province also joined the nation in commemorating Heroes Day with politicians from across the political divide calling for the respect of fallen and living heroes.

Masvingo Governor Cde Titus Maluleke led the proceedings and read the President’s speech.

He, together with dignitaries laid wreaths on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Prison inmates from Mutimurefu Prison entertained the capacity crowd with their traditional dances.

Among the people who attended the celebrations were Zanu-PF Politburo member Cde Dzikamai Mavhaire, new officer commanding police in Masvingo Senior Assistant Commissioner Munorwei Shava Matutu, acting Masvingo Mayor Councillor Selina Maridza, 4 Brigade Commander Brigadier Chancellor Diya, Masvingo Senator Cde Maina Mandava and Chivi North House of Assembly Member Cde Trainos Huruva.

Masvingo’s Zanu-PF Senator Cde Mandava said the province had benefited immensely from the sacrifices made by the late and present heroes through the promotion of women to positions of influence.

Clr Selina Maridza who is also MDC-T provincial member said she valued the Heroes Day as it gave all citizens an opportunity to remember the great work done by the country’s freedom fighters.

Cde Huruva also praised both fallen and living freedom fighters for sacrificing their lives to liberate the country.