Online Reporter
Sunday Mail Reporters
THOUSANDS of Zimbabweans will tomorrow gather at the National Heroes Acre, as well as provincial and district shrines across the country, to honour and pay tribute to the men and women who sacrificed for the country’s freedom.
The main event will be presided over by President Mnangagwa at the National Heroes Acre.
This year’s commemorations are running under the theme “Lest We Forget”, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the liberation struggle and recognising the sacrifices that secured Zimbabwe’s independence.
Zimbabweans will have an opportunity to participate in the national remembrance at the country’s 10 provincial heroes acres and 60 district heroes acres.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said preparations had been finalised for the festivities.
“Everything is on course with regards to preparations of our Heroes Day commemorations; all the logistical arrangements have been concluded,” said Minister Kazembe.
“Those who have been invited, especially the widows and widowers, have already been notified and the transport logistics have been arranged, accommodation has been arranged.
“So, we look forward to receiving a lot of people on the day; we are ready to host these commemorations.”
Heroes Day commemorations, Minister Kazembe said, are among the country’s most significant national events, providing an opportunity for Zimbabweans to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by liberation fighters, whose courage secured the country’s independence and laid the foundation for peace, unity and national development.
“These commemorations are very critical. The peace and tranquillity that we enjoy today, the independence that we enjoy today, the economic development that we enjoy today, did not come on a silver platter,” added Minister Kazembe.
“It came through sacrifices, through bloodshed of people that sacrificed to liberate this country.
“So, we must always find time during the year where we remember these gallant sons and daughters of the soil.”
During this year’s commemorations, at least 50 000 former freedom fighters will receive independence medals as part of ongoing efforts to honour those who contributed to Zimbabwe’s liberation.
Speaking during a recent post-Cabinet media briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said the awards were in line with constitutional provisions for recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to national development.
Following Heroes Day tomorrow, the nation will commemorate Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Day on Tuesday, a day dedicated to recognising the professionalism, dedication and service of members of the country’s defence forces in safeguarding Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.
In Harare, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Charles Tawengwa said preparations for the main event and provincial commemorations are going well for both Heroes Day and Defence Forces commemorations.
“We held a rehearsal for the Heroes Day commemorations on Thursday at Warren Hills Provincial Heroes Acre, which will host the provincial event.
“As Harare province, we have been allocated 50 buses for the national event and 10 buses for the provincial acre,” he said.
Minister Tawengwa said provincial commemorations will commence soon after the national event at the National Heroes Acre.
Honouring veterans of the struggle
Separately, Bulawayo province is set to honour 1 191 veterans of the liberation struggle during ZDF Day celebrations on Tuesday as part of a nationwide programme to recognise 50 000 veterans.
On Friday, Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube assessed final preparations at the White City Stadium.
She said all logistical and administrative arrangements were on schedule.
“Everything is in place and we are optimistic of hosting pleasant commemorations on Monday and Tuesday,” she said.
“We have 15 national and 1 176 provincial heroes and heroines from Bulawayo province who will be honoured.”
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo said Heroes Day celebrations are slated for the Chinhoyi Provincial Heroes Acre, while Defence Forces Day celebrations will be held at Chinhoyi Stadium.
She urged people across the province to attend the commemorations in their numbers while maintaining peace and order.
“We warmly invite the people of Mashonaland West to come out in their numbers and commemorate these important days in our national history,” she said.
This year’s Heroes Day commemorations in Mashonaland Central province will be marked by the unveiling of granite tombstones installed on 35 graves at the provincial heroes acre, giving fallen heroes and heroines a befitting final resting place.
The provincial shrine has also been fenced as partners continue to support efforts to preserve and upgrade the sacred site.
Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mr Timothy Maregere said final touch-ups were underway and the tombstones would be unveiled during Heroes Day commemorations.
“We are working closely with the Department of Museums and Monuments, but resources were availed by our partners. Our wish is to do much more for the provincial shrine,” he said.
Mr Maregere said preparations for Defence Forces Day were also complete, with the provincial celebrations set for Chipadze Stadium in Bindura.
Preparations for the Heroes Day celebrations are at an advanced stage in Marondera, Mashonaland East province.
According to the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, the province had mobilised resources and prepared venues and entertainment throughout the nine administrative districts.
“But equally important is that here in Marondera, we will host the provincial Heroes Day celebrations at our provincial heroes’ shrine. We have prepared the place and procured the necessary requirements and amenities to make sure that those who would attend the event will do so in comfort,” he said.
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said the provincial Heroes Day will be held at the Gwanda provincial shrine and that all seven districts will simultaneously hold their commemorations at their respective shrines.
The Defence Forces Day, he said, will be hosted at the Pelandaba Stadium in Gwanda, where a parade will be held on Tuesday.
“We have spruced up the venues, done rehearsals at both the provincial shrine and the Pelandaba Stadium, where the provincial Defence Forces Day commemorations will be held. At the same time, we extend invitations to everyone in the province to attend the respective venues in their numbers,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
Paying homage to fallen comrades in Mozambique
The Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, is expected to deliver President Mnangagwa’s messages during the provincial Heroes Day commemorations at the Mutare Provincial Heroes Acre on Monday and the ZDF Day celebrations at Sakubva Stadium on Tuesday.
Manicaland Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mr Abiot Maronge said refurbishment works were underway at the provincial and district heroes acres.
He said a delegation comprising war veterans and the provincial leadership would travel to Mozambique to pay homage to thousands of liberation fighters buried at former wartime camps and shrines.
The camps include Nyadzonya, Chimoio, Tembwe, Nyangao, the Tongogara Memorial and Changara.
Shrines on the itinerary also include Madulu, Mapai, Chibavava, Mavonde, Espungabeira and Save, where many liberation fighters and refugees are buried.
In Midlands province, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube invited people from all the eight administrative districts to attend the provincial Heroes Day celebrations at the Midlands Provincial Heroes Acre in Gweru.
“Transport will be available at our usual pick-up points,” he said.
He added that the province’s Defence Forces Day commemorations will be held at Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe on Tuesday.
In Matabeleland North, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo said preparations in Lupane were progressing smoothly, with Government departments, local authorities and other stakeholders working together to ensure successful commemorations.
“We are ready to host our people in Lupane. All the necessary arrangements are being finalised to ensure the day is commemorated with the dignity it deserves,” he said.
In Lupane, Heroes Day commemorations will be held at the provincial heroes acre, while ZDF Day celebrations will take place at Somhlolo Stadium.
It is also all systems go in Masvingo province.
The main Heroes Day celebrations in the province will be held at the Masvingo Provincial Heroes Acre in Hillside suburb, where the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Ezra Chadzamira, will lead proceedings.
Celebrations will also be held at various district heroes shrines across the province.
Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa said all was set for the celebrations.
“There will be food and entertainment galore during the celebrations that will also be held at various shrines in all the seven administrative districts in Masvingo,” he said.
Masvingo expects an even bigger crowd for the festivities than last year.
