Sunday Mail Reporters
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA will tomorrow lead the nation in commemorating Heroes Day, followed by celebrations to mark Defence Forces Day on Tuesday, with the main events for the two national holidays slated for the National Heroes Acre and Rufaro Stadium in Harare, respectively Thousands of people are expected to attend both events, while all 10 provinces will host their own commemorations at designated venues countrywide Heroes Day is marked in honour of the gallant men and women who sacrificed their lives during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, while 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 Defence Forces Day is celebrated in recognition of the role of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, peace and territorial integrity
By yesterday, preparations for the two national holidays were in full swing, with final rehearsals for Heroes Day scheduled for this afternoon at the National Heroes Acre Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Ambassador Raphael Faranisi confirmed that all the logistics were in place, including transport for families of national heroes “Everything is in place for the commemorations on Monday,” he said “So, what we have done, in terms of bringing national heroes, spouses and their families, is that we have allocated vehicles and transport to all those who are required to attend
“Approximately, there are about a thousand or so The ministry has already provided transport that will take them to Harare.”
Tomorrow’s ceremony at the National Heroes Acre will see President Mnangagwa awarding medals to heroes and heroines shortlisted for national honours Families of Cde Benjamin Burombo, Brigadier-General (Retd) Lameck Francisco Mutanda, Cde John Mbedzi and Cde Jairos Jiri — who were recently declared national heroes — will receive national flags in their honour A total of 223 families of those interred at the national shrine are expected to attend
Amb Faranisi said the inter-ministerial task force organising the events was ready “We will rehearse key elements of the programme, such as the laying of flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the protocol for recipients of honours,” he added Across the provinces, preparations for the commemorations were at an advanced stage In Mashonaland Central, the Provincial Development Committee finalised logistical arrangements on Friday
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo said: “Heroes Day is not just a public holiday; it’s a time to remember the gallant sons and daughters of Zimbabwe who gave their all for our freedom.”
He said rehearsals for the Defence Forces Day have been taking place at Chipadze Stadium In Mashonaland East, celebrations will take place at the Provincial Heroes Acre in Marondera, with a music gala in Hwedza to follow the Defence Forces Day commemorations Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Itayi Ndudzo said preparations were complete and public enthusiasm was high “We have made all the arrangements for the day, and people are excited about the event,” he said
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube promised a “bigger and better” event this year He said upgrades at the provincial shrine, including a new ablution facility and refurbished graves, were complete In Masvingo, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira urged people to attend the two events scheduled for the provincial Heroes Acre and Mucheke Stadium He underscored the importance of paying tribute to both living and fallen heroes
Matabeleland North will mark Heroes Day at the Lupane Provincial Heroes Acre and Defence Forces Day at Somhlolo Stadium Mashonaland West’s main celebrations will be in Chinhoyi, with the refurbished Provincial Heroes Acre as the focal point Popular musicians are expected to provide entertainment The Zimbabwe Republic Police has since stepped up traffic safety campaigns ahead of the busy holiday, while bus operators have increased capacity to meet rising demand
Meanwhile, Harare’s city centre was bustling yesterday as families shopped for the holidays, resulting in heavy traffic congestion Many travelled to rural areas for the long weekend, while small-scale tombstone suppliers reported brisk business from those preparing private family ceremonies ZANU PF Harare provincial political commissar Cde Voyage Dambuza said the party was mobilising a large turnout at the National Heroes Acre, followed by provincial celebrations Ninety war veterans, 90 war collaborators, 10 ex-detainees and 20 non-combatants will receive medals at the Harare provincial event
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Originally published on Business Weekly
All Zim News
All Zim News is a central hub for all things Zimbabwean, curating news from across the country so no story is missed Alongside aggregation, our team of nationwide reporters provides real-time, on-the-ground coverage Stay informed and connected — reach us at admin@allzimnews.com.
Source: Businessweekly
