Upmarket memorial park for war veterans

The Memories of Zimbabwe's Armed Struggle Trust (MOZAST) has joined forces with Watervlei Burial Park to establish a state-of-the-art cemetery honoring individuals who contributed to the country's liberation struggle. The partnership aims to provide dignified burial spaces for a diverse group of national heroes whose sacrifices helped secure Zimbabwe's independence.

Unlike the National Heroes Acre in Harare and similar provincial shrines, which are reserved for selected war heroes and notable citizens, the proposed War Veterans Memorial Garden will offer a broader space for honoring those who played pivotal roles in the liberation movement.

"As part of this collaboration, Watervlei Burial Park has reserved a special section, the War Veterans Memorial Garden, to provide dignified burial spaces for these national heroes," said MOZAST representative Richard Chirongwe. "This initiative reflects our deep respect and gratitude for the sacrifices made by Zimbabwe's war veterans. Their contributions to Zimbabwe's freedom will never be forgotten."

Located just 11 kilometers from Harare's central business district along Seke Road, the War Veterans Memorial Garden will span approximately 200 acres. It will include modern facilities such as mausoleums, cremation and embalming centers, and a range of services to cater to the needs of bereaved families.

A standout feature of the project is the planned war museum, which will document the history of Zimbabwe's liberation war. According to Chirongwe, the museum will serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters, ensuring their legacy is preserved for future generations.

The project has received full approval from the City of Harare for land usage and burials. It will also serve as a starting point for similar initiatives in other cities, with Bulawayo identified as the next location.

In addition to providing burial spaces, the initiative will facilitate the repatriation of freedom fighters buried outside Zimbabwe. "With the assistance of the government, we plan to repatriate these heroes and heroines and provide them with a dignified final resting place in Zimbabwe," Chirongwe explained.

This initiative reflects an enduring commitment to honoring the nation's history and ensuring that the sacrifices of Zimbabwe's liberation war heroes remain etched in the country's collective memory.