Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Senior Writer
HUNDREDS of Bulawayo residents are today expected to gather at the provincial heroes shrine in Nkulumane to commemorate Heroes Day, a solemn occasion to honour Zimbabwe’s gallant sons and daughters who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the liberation struggle and made enduring contributions to national development in the post-independence era The commemorations, replicated across all provinces, are aimed at fostering national unity, preserving historical memory, and celebrating the legacy of Zimbabwe’s liberation icons They are an annual reflection of the nation’s collective gratitude for the sacrifices made to attain and defend its sovereignty Tomorrow, focus will shift to White City Stadium, also in Bulawayo, for the Defence Forces Day celebrations, where a large crowd is also expected
The day is dedicated to saluting Zimbabwe’s defence forces for their unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, protecting national sovereignty, and contributing to the country’s socio-economic development President Mnangagwa will today lead the main Heroes Day ceremony at the National Heroes Acre in Harare Tomorrow, he will preside over the Defence Forces Day celebrations at Rufaro Stadium, which are expected to draw thousands This year’s commemorations will be held under the theme: “Zimbabwe Defence Forces: Guaranteeing a Conducive Environment for the Attainment of Vision 2030,” a powerful affirmation of the military’s pivotal role in underpinning national stability and creating an enabling environment for economic transformation
As part of the national ceremony, 223 families of fallen heroes and heroines are expected to be in attendance, reflecting the Government’s unwavering commitment to honouring the legacy and memory of Zimbabwe’s liberators In a key highlight, President Mnangagwa will present national flags to the families of four posthumously declared National Heroes and these are Cde Benjamin Burombo, Brigadier-General (Rtd) Lameck Francisco Mutanda, Cde John Mbedzi, and Cde Jairos Jiri Over the years, President Mnangagwa has been lauded for taking bold and deliberate steps to honour liberation war heroes and correct distorted colonial historical narratives that previously sidelined African resistance Since the advent of the Second Republic in 2017, the President has championed the recognition of both First and Second Chimurenga/Umvukela fighters — those whose sacrifices were previously erased or downplayed in colonial accounts
Notably, in 2023, the Government commissioned the Pupu Battlefield Memorial Site in Lupane, Matabeleland North, as part of efforts to honour the Ndebele warriors who, under General Mtshane Khumalo, decisively defeated colonial forces led by Major Allan Wilson in 1893 A statue in honour of Gen Khumalo is being planned, following the precedent set with the iconic Mbuya Nehanda statue in Harare In a historic move, the late Cde Ndabaningi Sithole, veteran nationalist and founding member of Zanu, was declared a national hero in 2023 In a statement, Zanu-PF Secretary-General, Dr Obert Mpofu said:
“As we celebrate this year’s Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day, let us remember that every generation must contribute to the progress of its nation
Zanu-PF Secretary-General Dr Obert Mpofu “The previous generation faced the monumental task of liberating Zimbabwe from colonial rule With little more than courage and youthful determination, we fought and defeated a far stronger enemy The cost was high, but our sacrifice gave birth to a free and independent Zimbabwe.”
He added: “As we mark this year’s Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day, we remember those who gave their lives for our freedom Heroes are not born; they are shaped by the struggles of their time
“The youth of yesterday took up arms, the youth of today must take up the fight for economic empowerment, innovation, and national development Our independence has faced many trials from the hardships of Esap to the burden of illegal sanctions.”
Dr Mpofu said modern battles demand new heroes who will rise to defend the nation’s sovereignty and drive it forward “Today’s youth must be both champions of progress and guardians of our revolution, protecting what was won through great sacrifice This Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day, let us commit to preserving our hard-earned freedom and building a Zimbabwe that future generations will be proud to inherit
The call to serve is as urgent now as it was during the liberation struggle May we answer it with the same courage and resolve that secured our independence,” he said These twin commemorations Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day are more than just symbolic They represent Zimbabwe’s hard-won Independence, the enduring legacy of sacrifice and the ongoing role of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in protecting the nation’s gains while steering the country towards Vision 2030 of attaining upper-middle-income status
As Zimbabwe pauses to reflect on its past and chart a united path forward, these commemorations remind all citizens of the price of freedom and the duty to safeguard it for future generations Share on Facebook
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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
