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Mnangagwa to honour 50 000 war vets
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The Government will confer 50,000 Independence Medals on veterans of Zimbabwe's liberation struggle during this year's Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Day celebrations on August 11, in one of the country's largest national recognition programmes for liberation war heroes.
The announcement comes as preparations gather pace for the annual Heroes Day and Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day commemorations, which celebrate the country's liberation heritage, honour national heroes and heroines, and recognise the role of the defence forces in safeguarding Zimbabwe's sovereignty.
This year's Heroes Day commemorations will be held under the theme "Lest We Forget," with the main event taking place at the National Heroes Acre in Harare. Simultaneous ceremonies will also be held at Zimbabwe's 10 Provincial Heroes Acres and 60 District Heroes Acres.
Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day will be commemorated on August 11 at Rufaro Stadium in Harare under the theme "ZDF: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030."
The celebrations will feature a keynote address by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, as well as a military parade and displays highlighting the capabilities of the country's security forces.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said the conferment of the medals is provided for under the Constitution as part of the country's honours and awards system.
"The nation is being informed that the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides for the conferment of honours and awards as national recognition and the immortalisation of individuals who have made significant contributions to Zimbabwe's national development," Dr Soda said.
"The 2026 honours and awards conferment ceremony will take place on August 11, 2026, during the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations."
Dr Soda said Cabinet had approved the awarding of 50,000 Independence Medals to liberation war veterans through the respective Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in all provinces.
"The exercise is part of ongoing efforts to recognise and honour those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of our beloved Motherland, Zimbabwe," he said.
Ahead of the commemorations, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces has launched its annual Community Assistance Week, which runs from Monday to Friday.
As part of the programme, the military, in partnership with Government ministries and development partners, is handing over several completed community projects, including Nikita Mangena Clinic in Mwenezi District, Whunga Clinic in Beitbridge District, the Civil Registry Office in Buhera District and the Hallingbury Primary School Early Childhood Development and ICT Complex in Mabelreign, Harare.
The Government said the mass conferment of Independence Medals forms part of its broader honours and awards programme aimed at recognising men and women who contributed to Zimbabwe's liberation and national development while preserving the values and ideals that shaped the country's struggle for independence.
The announcement comes as preparations gather pace for the annual Heroes Day and Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day commemorations, which celebrate the country's liberation heritage, honour national heroes and heroines, and recognise the role of the defence forces in safeguarding Zimbabwe's sovereignty.
This year's Heroes Day commemorations will be held under the theme "Lest We Forget," with the main event taking place at the National Heroes Acre in Harare. Simultaneous ceremonies will also be held at Zimbabwe's 10 Provincial Heroes Acres and 60 District Heroes Acres.
Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day will be commemorated on August 11 at Rufaro Stadium in Harare under the theme "ZDF: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030."
The celebrations will feature a keynote address by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, as well as a military parade and displays highlighting the capabilities of the country's security forces.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said the conferment of the medals is provided for under the Constitution as part of the country's honours and awards system.
"The 2026 honours and awards conferment ceremony will take place on August 11, 2026, during the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations."
Dr Soda said Cabinet had approved the awarding of 50,000 Independence Medals to liberation war veterans through the respective Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in all provinces.
"The exercise is part of ongoing efforts to recognise and honour those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of our beloved Motherland, Zimbabwe," he said.
Ahead of the commemorations, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces has launched its annual Community Assistance Week, which runs from Monday to Friday.
As part of the programme, the military, in partnership with Government ministries and development partners, is handing over several completed community projects, including Nikita Mangena Clinic in Mwenezi District, Whunga Clinic in Beitbridge District, the Civil Registry Office in Buhera District and the Hallingbury Primary School Early Childhood Development and ICT Complex in Mabelreign, Harare.
The Government said the mass conferment of Independence Medals forms part of its broader honours and awards programme aimed at recognising men and women who contributed to Zimbabwe's liberation and national development while preserving the values and ideals that shaped the country's struggle for independence.
Source - The Chronicle
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