Online Reporter
Good morning, Zimbabwe.
Welcome to the live coverage of the Heroes Day commemorations as Zimbabwe comes together to honour its heroes on this significant day of remembrance.
President Mnangagwa is set to lead the main event at the iconic National Heroes Acre in Harare, where the nation will pay tribute to those who have made extraordinary sacrifices for the country.
Across the nation, Provincial Affairs Ministers will oversee various commemorative events, ensuring that every corner of Zimbabwe joins in the celebration.
Heroes Day is marked in honour of the gallant men and women who sacrificed their lives during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, while also paying tribute to those who contributed to the country’s post-independence development in various sectors, as well as individuals who displayed heroism in their communities.
Stay tuned as our reporters, Harmony Agere and Debra Matabvu, and photographers, Memory Mangombe and Joseph Manditswara, provide updates from the main event at Heroes Acre.
We will also be giving you updates and highlights from ceremonies from other provinces across the nation.
Zimbabwe honours its heroes
Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe yesterday confirmed that preparations were complete after inspecting the venue, accompanied by senior Government officials.
Families of national heroes have been provided with transportation and accommodation.
Three individuals will receive medals for heroic contributions, while five families will be presented with national flags honouring posthumously declared heroes.
Thousands gather to honour Heroes at Bulawayo Provincial Heroes’ Acre
SCORES of people from in and around have converged at the Bulawayo Provincial Heroes’ Acre in to pay tribute to the country’s gallant sons and daughters for their supreme sacrifices.
The large turnout at the provincial Heroes’ Acre today is a powerful testament to the importance of this day.
Among the crowds are civil servants, youth, families and relatives of fallen heroes and heroines.
The vibrant atmosphere, filled with people from across the city, is a poignant display of national unity and a collective desire to honour the sacrifices made by the country’s heroes and heroines.
The sheer number of attendees shows that the nation has not forgotten the price of its freedom.
The atmosphere is filled with reverence and unity as people from all walks of life come together to pay their respects.
People started arriving at the venue as early as 7AM, and the first important dignitaries to arrive will be the service chiefs. The arrival of the guest of honour, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Judith Ncube, will mark the beginning of the proceedings.
The national anthem will be sung before she inspects a guard of honour mounted by members of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA).
Minister Ncube will then read the President’s speech.
President Mnangagwa is presiding over the main commemorations at the National Heroes Acre in Harare.
Minister Ncube, along with service chiefs, Zanu-PF Bulawayo Provincial Chairperson Cde Jabulani Sibanda, Bulawayo Provincial War Veterans’ Chairperson Cde Cephas Ncube, and representatives from the Ex-detainees Association, War Recruitees Association, and War
Collaborators Association, will also lead the procession to lay wreaths.
Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu is part of the crowd gathered at the Bulawayo Provincial Heroes Acre.
The last highlight will be Minister Ncube, who will be joined by families of the fallen heroes and heroines on a tour of the graves, where they will interact with members of the public.
Family members of the heroes and heroines will also have an opportunity to lay flowers on the graves of their loved ones.
Heroic acts celebrated
The Government will honour three distinguished individuals during the National Heroes Day commemorations at the National Heroes Acre in Harare today.
Professor Vladimir Gennadyevich Shubin, a long-time ally during the liberation struggle and former Soviet official, will receive the Zimbabwe International Friendship Award.
Professor Vladimir Gennadyevich Shubin
Teenager Inasem Chitutu from Bindura will be awarded the Silver Cross of Zimbabwe for rescuing two children from a burning house.
Dr Madeline Nyamwanza, the nation’s first female African medical doctor, will receive the Robert Gabriel Mugabe Commendation Award for Service in Human Capital Development for her pioneering contributions to health and education.
Ministers, diplomats and citizens gather for national Heroes Day ceremony
Cabinet ministers, senior security officers and diplomats have begun arriving at the National Shrine for the main Heroes Day ceremony.
Zimbabweans from across the country, including families of national heroes, have also turned out in large numbers for the commemorations.
A total of 223 families of departed national heroes and heroines are expected to attend the event in Harare.
President Mnangagwa will present national flags to the families of four individuals posthumously declared National Heroes: Cde Benjamin Burombo, Brigadier-General (Rtd) Lameck Francisco Mutanda, Cde John Mbedzi and Cde Jairos Jiri.
Service Chiefs arrive
Service Chiefs, led by Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda, have arrived at the national shrine.
Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda
The Zimbabwe Defence Forces consist of the Zimbabwe National Army and the Air Force of Zimbabwe, both commanded by General Sibanda.
Many heroes and liberation war fighters interred at the Heroes Acre also served in the ZDF.
Members of the ZDF are performing various military drills.
Lively performers entertain crowd ahead of President’s arrival
A lively line-up of performers is entertaining the crowd ahead of the President’s arrival.
Sulumani Chimbetu, Sasha Maduve, the police band, and various choirs have taken turns thrilling attendees with revolutionary and Chimurenga tunes.
The music is accompanied by energetic dances in the terraces, creating a vibrant and patriotic atmosphere.
All eyes are now on the main arena, with the President expected to arrive at any moment to join the proceedings.
Thousands gather to honour Heroes at Bulawayo Provincial Heroes’ Acre
SCORES of people from in and around have converged at the Bulawayo Provincial Heroes’ Acre in to pay tribute to the country’s gallant sons and daughters for their supreme sacrifices.
The large turnout at the provincial Heroes’ Acre today is a powerful testament to the importance of this day.
Among the crowds are civil servants, youth, families and relatives of fallen heroes and heroines.
The vibrant atmosphere, filled with people from across the city, is a poignant display of national unity and a collective desire to honour the sacrifices made by the country’s heroes and heroines.
The sheer number of attendees shows that the nation has not forgotten the price of its freedom.
The atmosphere is filled with reverence and unity as people from all walks of life come together to pay their respects.
People started arriving at the venue as early as 7AM, and the first important dignitaries to arrive will be the service chiefs. The arrival of the guest of honour, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Judith Ncube, will mark the beginning of the proceedings.
Hundreds gather at Matabeleland South Provincial Heroes Acres in Gwanda
Hundreds of people have gathered at the Matabeleland South Provincial Heroes Acre in Gwanda for the provincial heroes day commemorations.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Albert Nguluvhe is set to preside over event.
The provincial shrine underwent a face lift ahead of the heroes day commemorations. Works which were done include drilling of a borehole and rehabilitation of ablutions facilities.
In attendance are service chiefs, political leaders, Government departments, faith leaders, residents among others.
Families of fallen heroes have come out in numbers to commemorate the day which seeks to celebrate the lives of their departed relatives who fought to liberate nation.
Heroes Day celebrations start in Midlands
Meanwhile, Midlands Provincial Heroes Day commemorations have begun at the Gweru Provincial Heroes Acre.
Hundreds have already gathered at the Provincial Heroes Acre, including Zanu PF Midlands Provincial Deputy Chairperson, Cde Lewis Matutu, and Zanu PF Politburo member, Engineer Daniel Mckenzie Ncube.
Gweru City Council Mayor Clr Martin Chivhoko is also present.
Vice Presidents arrive at the national Heroes Acre
Vice Presidents, Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi, have arrived at the National Shrine.
VP Chiwenga is accompanied by his wife, Colonel Minnie Baloyi.
Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has also arrived.
The leaders have taken their seats.
President Mnangagwa arrives for Heroes Day commemorations
President Mnangagwa, accompanied by the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, has arrived at the National Shrine.
The President, a liberation veteran himself, will lead today’s commemorations.
Upon arrival, the President inspected the guard of honour.
This was followed by a flypast and a gun salute.
The President paid his respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before taking his seat at the high table.
This marks the beginning of the official programme.
Full house at the Heroes Acre
The terraces are now full, and the crowd, which continues to trickle in, has spilt into the bushy areas.
Affiliates, religious groups, ordinary citizens, and uniformed forces make up the bulk of the crowd.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe, who will be directing the ceremony, is now on the podium.
Reburial of liberation war fighters underway: Minister Kazembe
The reburial of liberation war fighters has commenced, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe has announced.
Minister Kazembe stated that his ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of War Veterans Affairs, has already begun exhuming and reburial of comrades who perished during the liberation struggle.
Minister Kazembe
“Memorialising graves, where comrades are laid to rest, has started,” he said, noting that the exercise forms part of a broader program to honour and preserve the country’s liberation history.
The minister revealed that efforts are also underway to memorialise and rehabilitate liberation war sites and shrines across Zimbabwe.
“We have so far started constructing a national monument and a field museum,” Minister Kazembe added.
President Mnangagwa addresses the nation at National Heroes Acre
In his address to the nation at the National Heroes Acre, President Mnangagwa began by stating that the event is a tribute to the sons and daughters who selflessly gave their lives for our freedom and independence.
He also emphasised that it is a day to celebrate the living heroes who continue to be dedicated to the country’s development.
President Mnangagwa
President Mnangagwa called on the nation to spur economic growth, asserting that the duty to develop the country lies with every Zimbabwean.
He noted that while the liberation of Zimbabwe was achieved in 1980, the quest for economic independence is ongoing.
The various measures implemented under the Second Republic are bearing positive results, President Mnangagwa added.
He stated that the Government will continue to provide high-impact, people-centred projects, which are evident to all.
He cited projects in the mining, energy, and transport sectors.
Additionally, he mentioned that the Government will continue to rehabilitate hospitals and health centres across the country to ensure quality healthcare services.
He also announced that the Government is issuing title deeds in residential areas and paid tribute to Zimbabweans, including those in the diaspora, who are investing in the housing sector.
He said, “Well done, Zimbabweans. Ngativakei nyika yedu.”
President Mnangagwa
In conclusion, President Mnangagwa urged the nation to continue working to build the country and to attain Vision 2030.
He expressed that the spirit of sacrifice shown by the heroes of yesteryear must be kindled in today’s and future generations.
He stated, “Through our zeal, hard work, and unity, we will build our country. We must boldly decide now not to stop until we reach a middle-income economy.”
President Mnangagwa and Vice Presidents lay wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
President Mnangagwa and Vice Presidents, Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi, have laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Afterwards, members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces played the bugle as the President and his two deputies watched.
A number of individuals are now about to be conferred with various honours, with their families set to receive national flags from the President.
Brave teen among heroes honoured
A courageous teenager from Bindura, Inasem Chitutu, is among the three distinguished individuals honoured by the Government during today’s National Heroes Day commemorations at the National Heroes Acre in Harare.
Inasem will receive the Silver Cross of Zimbabwe for rescuing two children from a burning house in Bindura.
After the daring act, he fell and became unconscious, later coughing up blood for several days.
His heroism was also evident in 2022, when he rescued eight people trapped in a vehicle in Bindura after a traffic accident.
Also honoured is Professor Vladimir Gennadyevich Shubin, a long-time ally of Zimbabwe during the liberation struggle and former Soviet official, who will receive the Zimbabwe International Friendship Award.
Dr Madeline Nyamwanza, Zimbabwe’s first female African medical doctor, was awarded the Robert Gabriel Mugabe Commendation Award for Service in Human Capital Development for her pioneering contributions to health and education.
Hundreds attend Heroes Day celebrations in Lupane, Matabeleland North province
HUNDREDS of people have converged at the Matabeleland North Provincial Heroes Acre to commemorate the 45th Heroes Day in Lupane.
The large crowd is a mixture of young people, the elderly and children who started making their way to the provincial heroes acre from villagers across the district as early as 6am.
The large turnout at the provincial heroes’ acre today is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the gallant sons and daughters to free the country from the grip of colonial rule.
Senior Government officials, Zanu PF Politburo and Central Committee members, traditional leaders and service chiefs are also in attendance.
Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo is presently reading a speech on behalf of President Mnangagwa.
Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo
President Mnangagwa is presiding over the main commemorations at the National Heroes Acre in Harare.
The last highlight of the day will be awarding of medals to liberation war heroes and heroines.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Judith Ncube, is now touring the graves at the Bulawayo Provincial Heroes Acre. She is joined by families of the fallen heroes and heroines and is interacting with members of the public, bringing the official proceedings to a close.
President Mnangagwa and First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa greet the crowds as they depart from the Heroes Day commemorations at the National Heroes Acre.
Pictures: John Manzongo
Mash East commemorates Heroes Day
Victor Maphosa-Mashonaland East Bureau
Thousands gathered here in Marondera for the Mashonaland East provincial Heroes Day commemorations.
The 45th Heroes Day provincial commemorations were held at the provincial shrine, an event attended by people from all walks of life, who converged to pay their respects to the living and dead liberation fighters, who sacrificed all to free Zimbabwe from colonial bondage.
People gathered at the sacred shrine as early as 7 am.
The event officially started soon after the arrival of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, who first inspected the quarter guard.
Advocate Ndudzo, who was flanked by Service Chiefs later proceeded to read the 2025 Heroes Day Presidential speech to the large gathering.
Later Advocate Ndudzo presided over the conferment of medals to war veterans and war collaborators for their sacrifice to free Zimbabwe.
Some outstanding civil servants were also honoured for serving the nation diligently.
Beitbridge residents unite to honour liberation heroes
Beitbridge residents gathered at the Makakavhule District Shrine to celebrate Heroes Day, honouring the lives and sacrifices of the nation’s liberation war heroes.
The District Development Coordinator, Mrs. Sikhangezile Mafu, is leading the commemorations and is set to read President Mnangagwa’s official Heroes Day speech to the assembled crowd.
In a strong show of unity, residents and leaders from various political parties are in attendance. Among the dignitaries gracing the event are Beitbridge Mayor Councillor Pirato Mafuta, Beitbridge RDC Chairperson Councillor Oscar Chiromo, Beitbridge West MP Thusani Ndou, and
Senator for Beitbridge Tambudzani Mohadi.
The celebrations are vibrant, with dance groups, poets, and prison arts group artists—including the Fugees—providing entertainment for the gathered community.
Masvingo celebrates Heroes Day
George Maponga in MASVINGO
Hundreds of people today thronged the Masvingo Provincial Heroes Acre to join the rest of the nation to mark Heroes Day amid pomp and fanfare.
The main celebrations were held at the provincial shrine in Hillside Extension suburb in Masvingo City, where 94 heroes and heroines are interred.
Celebrations were also held at district shrines across Masvingo’s seven administrative districts.
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, led the celebrations at the provincial shrine, where he read the Presidential speech before a capacity crowd comprising service chiefs, senior government and Zanu PF officials, including war veterans.
Minister Chadzamira then led in the laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, led the celebrations at the provincial shrine, where he read the Presidential speech before a capacity crowd comprising service chiefs, senior government and Zanu PF officials, including war veterans.
The crowd was then treated to entertainment before Minister Chadzamira led officials to meet relatives of those buried at the shrine.
Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Board national chair Retired Major General Gibson Mashingaidze, speaking on the sidelines of the celebrations, hailed the Second Republic for sprucing up the provincial shrine as the country celebrates the sacrifices made by the gallant sons and daughters of the soil.
National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Masvingo regional director, told Zimpapers Online of plans to fence the provincial shrine and build ablution facilities with running water.
Plans are also in motion to erect permanent podiums and structures that will provide a shelter during official events and programmes.
Thousands gather to commemorate Heroes Day in Chinhoyi
Thousands of people, including families of both departed and living liberation fighters, thronged the revamped Chinhoyi Provincial Heroes Acre to commemorate Heroes Day.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo led the proceedings by first inspecting a quarter guard, laying a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and later visiting all 97 graves of heroes interred at the shrine.
She read the President’s speech and commended the Namibian delegation for attending the event.
At least 200 war veterans, ex-detainees, and collaborators were conferred with medals for their roles in the war of liberation.
The visiting Namibian delegation, led by Honourable Damian Maghambye, the chairperson for Mukwe District, also attended the event to offer solidarity to the cause, which was consummated during the quest for liberation of countries in the SADC region.
Service Chiefs, Zanu PF representatives led by provincial chairman Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, and various entertainers, including the Zimbabwe National Army’s Crocodile Band, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Band, Mr Chinhoyi, and Stumu Boys, were also present.
