Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
YOUNG people in Matabeleland South Province have pledged to cherish and defend the legacy of the heroes and heroines, who sacrificed their lives to liberate Zimbabwe and contributed to its development after Independence.
As preparations for this year’s Heroes and Defence Forces Holidays, scheduled for August, gather momentum, the youth have committed to playing a leading role in honouring both the living and fallen heroes and heroines.
In Matabeleland South, the Heroes Day commemorations will take place at the provincial shrine in Gwanda on Monday, August 11, 2025, with President Mnangagwa presiding over the national event at the National Heroes Acre in Harare. District-level commemorations will also be held at respective district shrines.
The Defence Forces Day celebrations will follow on the next day, with the national event set for Rufaro Stadium in Harare. In Matabeleland South, the provincial celebrations will be held at Phelandaba Stadium in Gwanda.
In an interview, Matabeleland South National Assembly Youth Quota Representative, Cde Tinashe Mushipe, said young people were not mere observers but active participants in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty.
“As we approach Heroes Day, it’s important for us as youths to take an active role in spreading awareness about the significance of this day.
“The work done by our heroes and heroines should be part of our daily conversations, but as we near the commemorations, we must intensify these efforts.
As youths, we must not take this day lightly. We must defend the legacy. It is a time to remember and celebrate the gallant sons and daughters, who sacrificed their youth so that we could enjoy the freedom we have today,” he said.
Cde Mushipe encouraged youths from all seven districts of the province to participate in the commemorations.
Zanu-PF Matabeleland South Youth League Finance Committee Member, Cde Aldonia Gondo, said the attainment of political independence was the result of immense sacrifice by freedom fighters, and it was now the responsibility of the youth to defend that legacy.
“Those who took part in the liberation struggle played their part, and now it is our turn as the youth to play ours. The baton has been passed to us, and we must now run with it.
“Let us embrace a spirit of patriotism so that the efforts of our heroes and heroines are not in vain. As young people, we express our gratitude to the gallant sons and daughters, who demonstrated such selfless acts.
If we, as today’s youth, uphold this patriotic spirit, we will be able to pass it on to future generations,” he said.
Heroes Day is a revered holiday on Zimbabwe’s national calendar, observed annually to honour the country’s liberation war heroes and heroines.
It holds deep significance as a day that unites the nation in paying tribute to the brave men and women, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the protracted armed struggle. — @DubeMatutu
