5 national heroes reburials today

The remains of five liberation war stalwarts recently conferred with national hero status by President Emmerson Mnangagwa will today be reburied at the National Heroes Acre in Harare during a private ceremony attended by close family members and invited Government officials.

The five national heroes are Cde Saul Gwakuba Ndlovu, Cde Petros Khumalo, Cde Shumirai Wekwete, Cde Joseph Zethi Dube and Cde Herbert Zaba Sambo.

Their reburial forms part of this year's Heroes Day commemorations, which are being held under the theme "Lest We Forget", in recognition of the sacrifices made by Zimbabwe's liberation fighters and their contribution to post-independence nation-building.

Director of Strategic Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Mr Mike Masaka, said all preparations for the ceremony had been completed.

"The burial of the five national heroes will take place tomorrow (today) at the National Heroes Acre," he said.

"It will be a private ceremony attended by members of the respective families and invited Government officials. All the necessary logistical arrangements have been finalised to ensure that the proceedings are conducted with the dignity and honour befitting the status of national heroes."

Mr Masaka said the reburial reflects the nation's enduring appreciation for those who dedicated their lives to Zimbabwe's liberation and development.

"Conferring national hero status on these distinguished sons of the soil is a demonstration that Zimbabwe values and recognises those who made exceptional sacrifices in the liberation of our country," he said.

"The National Heroes Acre remains the country's highest place of honour, and it is fitting that these gallant cadres will now rest alongside other national heroes who fought tirelessly for the independence and sovereignty that Zimbabweans enjoy today."

He said this year's commemorations would reinforce the importance of preserving Zimbabwe's liberation history and passing its values to future generations.

"It is, therefore, important that we continue to honour our liberation heroes while passing on the values of patriotism, unity, resilience and national pride," Mr Masaka said.

The reburial is one of the key events leading up to this year's national Heroes Day commemorations, which bring together Zimbabweans to honour those who fought for the country's independence.

The occasion is also expected to provide an opportunity to reflect on the values of patriotism, unity and selfless service demonstrated by liberation fighters while reaffirming Government's commitment to preserving Zimbabwe's liberation heritage.

Following independence in 1980, Zimbabwe embarked on a nationwide programme to repatriate the remains of liberation fighters buried both inside and outside the country. The initiative has continued under the Second Republic through a series of posthumous reburials at the National Heroes Acre.

The process involves locating, identifying and repatriating the remains of national heroes to ensure they receive a dignified final resting place at the country's national shrine.

Among the prominent liberation figures who have previously been reburied at the National Heroes Acre are Herbert Chitepo, Jason Moyo, Josiah Tongogara, Leopold Takawira, Alfred Nikita Mangena, Brigadier General Chitekedza and Ethan Dube.