Thousands celebrate nation's heroes

There was an overwhelming turnout from Mashonaland Central Province's eight districts as people came to commemorate this year's Heroes' Day at Bindura Provincial Heroes' Acre.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and MP for Mazowe North Advocate Martin Dinha read the President's speech.

In an interview, Advocate Dinha said the province had never witnessed such a huge turnout before.

"People came in their numbers, showing their commitment to the revolutionary struggle. This is a sign that people are not affected by rebellious conduct of war veterans in Harare," said Advocate Dinha.

"People showed their faith, trust and unwavering support to the President, his values and virtues. It shows again that the party and Government are well supported in Mashonaland Central.

"As representatives of Government, I must add that we will not allow, let alone support this nonsense, which is happening in Harare."

Masvingo joined the rest of the nation in celebrating Heroes' Day with festivities being held in all the seven administrative districts.

The main celebrations were held at the Masvingo Provincial Heroes' Acre where a capacity crowd including relatives of fallen heroes and heroines interred at the shrine, members of the uniformed forces and freedom fighters were in attendance. Proceedings reached a crescendo just before noon when Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Senator Shuvai Mahofa and Psychomotor Activities Minister Josaya Hungwe accompanied by service chiefs led by Masvingo provincial police commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Martha Mofolo and 4 Brigade Commander Brigadier General Exsebios Tshuma arrived at the provincial shrine.

Minister Hungwe then inspected the guard of honour in place of Senator Mahofa, who is still battling poor health.

Senator Mahofa then read the Presidential speech after the crowd had been entertained by various groups. She then led others in laying wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

There was also a 21-gun salute in honour of the fallen heroes and heroines at the provincial shrine.

The celebrations continued until the end of the day in Masvingo with a soccer match pitting Masvingo United and Masvingo City at Mucheke Stadium.

In Chinhoyi, thousands of people including relatives of fallen heroes gathered at the Chinhoyi Provincial Heroes' Acre to commemorate the day.

Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs Minister Faber Chidarikire read the President's speech before laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

He later visited relatives of each of the 53 heroes interred at the shrine.

In an interview, Minister Chidarikire revealed that plans were underway to spruce up the outlook of the shrine.

"We are working with the Ministry of Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage to spruce up the image of the shrine," said Chidarikire.

"We are going to put tombstones on all the graves at the shrine."

He said committees have already been set up and the process is expected to be complete by August 2017. People were entertained by Dendera musician Suluman Chimbetu and 10-year-old, Sakhile Manyonga, who stole the show when she recited her poem "Gusvu Kumagamba".

In Beitbridge, Senator Tambudzani Mohadi led the celebrations and read the President's speech.

She bemoaned the poor state of the district's shrine and challenged members of the community and local leaders to pull resources together, and upgrade the area.

Entertainment was provided by local schools, traditional dance groups, poets and drills by Sincere and town council security guards.