Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu and Eliah Saushoma Sunday News Reporters
ZIMBABWE is ready to honour the sacrifices of the country’s liberation war heroes and celebrate the role of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) in safeguarding national sovereignty and peace as the nation prepares for Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day commemorations tomorrow and Tuesday.
This year’s commemorations will be marked by a major national recognition programme, with 50 000 veterans of the liberation struggle set to be honoured countrywide, including 1 191 veterans from Bulawayo Province during Tuesday’s ZDF Day celebrations.
The two national holidays provide Zimbabweans with an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle, honour those who paid the ultimate price for independence and recognise the continued contribution of veterans and members of the defence forces to national development and security.
Preparations for the commemorations are at an advanced stage, with provincial authorities, security services, local authorities and other stakeholders finalising arrangements for the two-day programme.
In Bulawayo, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube on Friday inspected a guard of honour mounted by the ZDF at White City Stadium as part of final preparations for the provincial commemorations.
Minister Ncube said all logistical and administrative arrangements were in place, with the province set to honour 15 national heroes and 1 176 provincial heroes and heroines.
“Everything is in place and we are optimistic of hosting pleasant commemorations on Monday and Tuesday. From a logistical point of view, preparations are on point and we are ready to host a memorable and successful event. We have 15 national and 1 176 provincial heroes and heroines from Bulawayo Province that will be honoured,” she said.
In Matabeleland North, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo said preparations in
Lupane were also progressing smoothly.
“We are ready to host our people in Lupane. All necessary arrangements are being finalised to ensure the day is commemorated with the dignity it deserves,” he said.
He urged members of the public to attend the commemorations in large numbers to honour the liberation heroes and heroines whose sacrifices secured Zimbabwe’s independence.
Heroes Day commemorations in the province will be held at the Provincial Heroes Acre in Lupane, while Defence Forces Day celebrations will take place at Somhlolo Stadium.
This year’s Heroes Day commemorations will run under the theme “Lest We Forget”, with the main event taking place at the National Heroes Acre in Harare tomorrow.
Similar commemorations will be held at the country’s 10 Provincial Heroes Acres and 60 District Heroes Acres.
On Tuesday, attention will shift to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations, with the main event scheduled for Rufaro Stadium in Harare under the theme “ZDF: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030.”
The celebrations will feature a keynote address by President Mnangagwa, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the ZDF, alongside a military parade and displays showcasing the capabilities of the country’s defence forces.
As the nation prepares for the holidays, police have also stepped up road safety and crime prevention measures.
In Matabeleland South, Officer Commanding Police Matabeleland South Province Commissioner Elizabeth Phiri urged motorists, passengers and communities to work together to prevent road carnage and crime during the holiday period.
Speaking during a road safety awareness campaign along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road in Gwanda on Friday, Commissioner Phiri warned motorists against speeding, drink-driving and overloading, while urging passengers to report reckless drivers.
“We are approaching the Heroes and Defence Holiday and during this time we record an increase in road carnage and a lot of lives are lost. This time around we are saying that we don’t want to lose lives but it can only be possible if we work together as various stakeholders,” she said.
She urged motorists to prioritise passenger safety and passengers to resist encouraging drivers to speed.
Police, she said, had intensified patrols across the province and would work with other stakeholders to maintain law and order.
Commissioner Phiri also urged residents to secure their homes and businesses against theft and robbery during the holiday period, advising them to use security systems, avoid keeping large amounts of cash at home and remain vigilant when travelling at night.
Meanwhile, preparations at the Bulawayo Provincial Heroes Acre have included a clean-up and rehabilitation exercise ahead of the commemorations.
Widows Patron for the Bulawayo Provincial Heroes Acre, Cde Molly Mpofu, commended President Mnangagwa for donating 70 tombstones to rehabilitate graves of liberation war heroes at the Nkulumane shrine and in rural communities.
She said the donation would help address the long-standing challenge of deteriorating and unmarked graves.
“We are deeply grateful to His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa for remembering the families of our departed heroes. The donation of these 70 tombstones will go a long way in rehabilitating graves at the Bulawayo
Provincial Heroes Acre and those of our heroes who were laid to rest in their respective rural communities,” said Cde Mpofu.
The commemorations come as the country continues to place renewed emphasis on preserving the history of the liberation struggle while linking the sacrifices of the past to Zimbabwe’s present development ambitions.
