By Tapiwa Chawagarira
Thousands of people gathered at Heroes Acres and other shrines across Masvingo Province on Monday to honour the gallant sons and daughters of Zimbabwe who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and sovereignty.
The commemorations, held under the national theme “Lest We Forget,” were characterised by massive attendance as communities came together to pay tribute to the country’s liberation war heroes and reflect on the sacrifices that secured Zimbabwe’s freedom.
At the Masvingo Provincial Heroes Acre, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Province, Ezra Chadzamira, who was the Guest of Honour, delivered the Presidential Speech on behalf of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Minister Chadzamira said this year’s theme was a timely reminder of the responsibility borne by present and future generations to preserve the country’s liberation heritage.
He said Zimbabweans were standing on the shoulders of the liberation struggle’s heroes, many of whom might not have been recorded in history books or commemorated through elaborate monuments, but whose sacrifices remained permanently embedded in the history and soil of Zimbabwe.
“Their selflessness secured the independence and sovereignty we enjoy today, and it is our collective responsibility to preserve and honour their legacy,” Minister Chadzamira said.
The commemorations were held across the province, with Heroes Acres and other memorial sites recording significant attendances as people from different communities gathered to honour the departed liberation war heroes.
Minister Chadzamira said the Second Republic remained committed to upholding unity, peace, democracy, order, patriotic discipline and the security of all Zimbabweans while ensuring that the gains of the liberation struggle continued to translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
He highlighted Government’s continued support for families of Liberation War Veterans through the Education Support Programme, which provides school fees for children and dependants of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle.
Disadvantaged learners at primary and secondary school levels, as well as students at tertiary institutions, are also receiving education support.
In keeping with the “Lest We Forget” theme, Minister Chadzamira said the education sector, together with the Sports, Arts and Cultural and Creative Industries, should develop innovative programmes that keep Zimbabwe’s liberation history alive and relevant, particularly among children and young people.
He said the younger generation must understand the country’s history, appreciate the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle and recognise its responsibility to safeguard the independence while contributing towards the development of a prosperous Zimbabwe.
Minister Chadzamira also highlighted the role of digital transformation under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), noting that the expansion of digital infrastructure was opening opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, innovation, employment and access to information, particularly for young people.
The massive turnout recorded across Masvingo demonstrated the province’s continued commitment to honouring the country’s liberation heroes and preserving their legacy for future generations.
Minister Chadzamira expressed gratitude to the people of Masvingo for demonstrating unity, peace and solidarity in commemorating the important national occasion.
He urged Zimbabweans to remain united by their shared history and guided by the sacrifices of those who came before them as the country works towards building the Zimbabwe envisioned for future generations.
