Zimbabwe commemorates 36th Heroes Day

ZIMBABWE tomorrow commemorates the 36th Heroes Day with provinces saying it's all systems go as they are making final preparations for the big day.

The country marks Heroes Day every year in August as an honour to sons and daughters of the soil who fought for the country's independence. There would be events in all the 10 provinces while President Mugabe would deliver his speech at the main event at the National Heroes Acre.

Provincial Affairs Ministers are expected to read President Mugabe's speech at the other provincial heroes' shrines.

Provincial Administrators have been leading the organising committees for the commemorations.

In an interview with Sunday News yesterday, Bulawayo provincial administrator Ms Khonzani Ncube said all was now in place for tomorrow's day, with the province finalising a few logistical matters.

"We are ready to host the provincial Heroes Day commemorations on Monday (tomorrow). The celebrations will be held at the provincial Heroes Acre in Nkulumane, where the Provincial Affairs Minister, Nomthandazo Eunice Moyo will read President Mugabe's speech on the day.

"Transport will be provided at various pick up points in the city and all those who will attend the commemorations will be adequately fed. Since this will be a celebration, entertainment will also be provided, we therefore call on all people from all walks of life to join us on Monday at the provincial shrine as we honour our heroes," said Ms Ncube.

Matabeleland North provincial administrator, Ms Latiso Dlamini also said the province was raring to go with the commemorations. She said although they were facing challenges in terms of transport, they were still hopeful that hundreds of people will make their way to the provincial heroes' acre in Lupane.

"We have received donations ranging from cattle to alcohol, everything is in place. We expect the programme to start at 10am, with Provincial Affairs Minister Cain Mathema delivering President Mugabe's speech.

"Unfortunately we have not secured any buses but we hope people will have to make-do with the little transport that we have. We hope people will join us from all corners as we celebrate the sacrifices made by our heroes and heroines," said Ms Dlamini.

In Matabeleland South, Minister of Rural Development and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage Abednico Ncube said they had already surpassed their target in terms of funds for the commemorations.

"We had set a target of $4 000 but I am told we have received a further $2 000. We also got half a giraffe, $800 worth of beef, 1 000 litres of beer plus a number of food items. As far as we are concerned everything is now in place for the commemorations, which will not only be held at the provincial heroes' acre but also at district level," said Ncube.

In Masvingo officials said at least t 10 000 people expected to throng the provincial heroes acre at Victoria Ranch and Mucheke Stadium.
Speaking during a Press conference last week Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Shuvai Mahofa said mobilisation of resources towards the two events was already in motion with the province working towards a target of $7 000.

Midlands provincial administrator Ms Cecilia Chitiyo said the province was now geared for the heroes commemorations.
"The organising committee held its final meeting to tie the loose ends on Friday and I can safely say that everything is set for the day. I urge people in the Midlands to come in their numbers to celebrate this day because the freedom that we have today came from sheer sacrifice from these gallant sons and daughters of the soil," she said.