Harare, (New Ziana) – Preparations for this year’s Heroes and Defence Forces Day holidays are at an advanced stage, with Government calling on citizens from across the country to unite in honouring the nation’s liberation heroes, and celebrating the role of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) in safeguarding peace and national development.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Soda Zhemu, said Cabinet had received update reports on the preparations for the two national events, which will be held on 10 and 11 August, respectively.
“The nation is informed that preparations for the holding of the two events is at an advanced stage,” he said, adding that Government was finalising logistical and administrative arrangements to ensure successful commemorations across the country.
Heroes Day, to be observed on 10 August, will be commemorated under the theme “Lest We Forget.” The main national ceremony will take place at the National Heroes Acre in Harare, while parallel commemorations will be held at all 10 Provincial Heroes Acres and 60 District Heroes Acres nationwide.
Zhemu said Government was mobilising resources to ensure that families of national heroes and heroines could participate in the commemorations.
“The Public is being informed that logistical and administrative preparations are ongoing at the various levels of Government in order to ensure successful commemorations in honour of the gallant sons and daughters who selflessly gave their lives to liberate Zimbabwe. A fleet of 162 buses will be deployed across the country to assist in transporting relatives of heroes and heroines to attend the event at the respective shrines,” he said.
He urged Zimbabweans from all walks of life to join President Emmerson Mnangagwa in paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence.
The celebrations will continue on 11 August with the Defence Forces Day commemorations, whose main event will be held at Rufaro Stadium in Harare under the theme “ZDF: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030.”
Similar celebrations will also be held in all provincial centres.
Zhemu said the commemorations would be preceded by the annual Community Assistance Week from 27 to 31 July, during which the Zimbabwe Defence Forces will hand over several community development projects completed in partnership with various stakeholders.
The projects include Nikita Mangena Clinic in Mwenezi District, Wunga Clinic in Beitbridge District, the Civil Registry Office in Buhera District, and the Hallingbury Primary School ECD and ICT Complex in Mabelreign, Harare.
The Defence Forces Day programme will feature a keynote address by President Mnangagwa, a military parade mounted by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, military displays, cultural performances and entertainment by leading local artistes, including Sulumani Chimbetu, Kona Ngale, Jah Prayzah and the Air Power Band.
The celebrations will conclude with an international friendly football match between the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Select Team and the Namibian Defence Forces Select Team, underscoring the spirit of regional military cooperation and friendship.
Heroes Day is commemorated annually on the second Monday of August to honour the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, while Defence Forces Day, observed the following day, recognises the dedication, professionalism and service of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in defending the country’s sovereignty, supporting civil authorities during emergencies and contributing to national development initiatives.
These commemorations remain among Zimbabwe’s most significant national events, reinforcing patriotism, unity and remembrance while celebrating the country’s hard-won independence and enduring peace.
New Ziana
