Zimbabweans Unite to Honor the Legacy of Their Liberation Heroes

by Priviledge Zviregei

Thousands of Zimbabweans from all walks of life gathered at venues across the country to commemorate the heroic sacrifices of the nation’s liberation icons, both living and departed, in the annual Heroes’ Day celebrations.

As early as 6 a.m., people of all ages made their way to the various commemorative sites, including the hallowed National Heroes Acre in the capital, Harare, where President Emmerson Mnangagwa led the proceedings. At the provincial level, Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution presided over the events, reading the President’s speech and overseeing the solemn ceremonies.

In Harare, Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Charles Tawengwa continued the commemorations at the Provincial Heroes Acre, where he was received by a guard of honor from the Zimbabwe National Army. Scores of people, including families and friends of the fallen heroes, gathered to lay wreaths on the graves of their loved ones, with some even tending to the tombs.

The atmosphere was a mix of reverence and celebration, as some families played drums and sang Chimurenga songs at the graves of their departed heroes. The Mauyakufa family, for instance, shared food and drinks at the grave of their father, Cde Maxwell Mauyakufa, whose nom de guerre was Joe Chimurenga.

“We are happy to be here as a family, meeting with other families and celebrating the roles played by our relatives in the liberation of our dear country, Zimbabwe,” said the family’s son, Mr. Chester Mauyakuva. “All Zimbabweans must consider the day since it is a reflection of the sacrifices our heroes made through selflessness.”

Similar scenes unfolded in Bulawayo, where Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Judith Ncube, joined the families of fallen heroes and heroines on a tour of the graves. During the event, 30 war veterans and ex-detainees were conferred with their Independence Medals in recognition of their contribution to the liberation struggle.

In Mashonaland West, thousands gathered at the Provincial Heroes Acre in Chinhoyi, where Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo led the proceedings. She inspected a quarter guard, laid a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and read the President’s speech, while also interacting with family members of the 86 heroes interred at the shrine.

The commemorations were not limited to the major provinces, as events were held in all eight districts of Mashonaland Central, with Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo presiding over the proceedings. In Manicaland, the commemorations were held at the Nyanga District Heroes Acre, where Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza led the proceedings and conferred medals to veterans of the liberation struggle.

In Masvingo, hundreds of people thronged the Masvingo Provincial Heroes Acre, while in Matabeleland North, thousands swarmed the Provincial Heroes Acre in Lupane, where Minister of State Richard Moyo led the commemorations and conferred medals on 200 war veterans and ex-detainees.

The nationwide celebrations were a testament to the enduring spirit of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and a powerful demonstration of the people’s unwavering commitment to honoring the sacrifices of their gallant heroes and heroines. As the nation continues its journey of socio-economic transformation, the legacy of these brave individuals serves as a guiding light, inspiring the current and future generations to uphold the ideals of freedom, unity, and self-determination.