Today, we come together to honour the bravery of all our heroes both men and women who dedicated their lives to the struggle for freedom, justice, and equality. As we commemorate National Heroes' Day and National Defence Forces Day, we find ourselves reflecting on a history marred by sacrifice, courage and resilience. This is a day of remembrance to commemorate the commitment of Zimbabweans to the struggle for Independence, during which thousands perished. Forty-four years after Zimbabwe attained independence in 1980, we must confront the painful reality that our country has degenerated into a state of disrepair.
The National Heroes’ Day holiday was declared in 1980 shortly after Zimbabwe gained independence from Ian Smith’s Rhodesian Front. The mid-1940s through to the 80s constitute a historical, busy and not-to-forget dangerous period that saw many African countries fight for their independence from European colonial rule, a rule that more often than not, oppressed the black majority at every turn and evoked the response of war, and Zimbabwe was no exception.
In the 1960s, growing African nationalism led to several countries across the continent shaking off the yoke of colonial rule and gaining independence. For their remaining African colonies, the British had a 'no independence before majority rule' policy. This sparked a guerrilla war with Joshua Nkomo's Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) and Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) fighting together to overthrow the Rhodesian government, led by Ian Smith. The Zimbabwe War of Liberation, also known as the Rhodesian Bush War, lasted over 15 years.
Our freedom came at an immeasurable cost, yet the gap between the dreams of our freedom fighters and the realities faced by ordinary citizens today has grown wider. Let us remember all those who fought valiantly, including the women and veterans who bear the scars of our struggle. It is our duty to ensure they receive the benefits of the independence they fought so hard to secure. Today is not just a day of remembrance; it is also a call to action. Let us work together to create a society that values justice, equality, and freedom for all its citizens.
As we commemorate Heroes Day, we pay special tribute to the women heroes, both living and deceased, whose contributions have often gone unrecognized. We must also shine a light on the unsung heroes those individuals whose names may not be in the history books but whose actions were crucial to our fight for independence. These include the ordinary citizens who risked their lives to provide shelter, food, and information to freedom fighters, as well as those who organized grassroots movements that galvanized support for the cause.
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The National Heroes Acre
To go along with the holiday is a lavish monument that serves as the resting place of Zimbabwe’s war heroes called the National Heroes Acre. The main ceremonies to mark the day are held at National Heroes Acre, in Harare, the country's capital. The holiday and the dedicated shrine have a symbolic meaning to the people of Zimbabwe who celebrate the brave men and women that laid down their lives in hopes of furthering the Chimurenga war efforts. The day is characterised by music, dance and speeches from the nation’s leaders particularly the president during a nationally televised celebratory event held at the Heroes’ Acre annually.
The main ceremonies to commemorate the day are held at the country's National Heroes Acre in Harare where notable deceased liberation war fighters who are afforded the title of National Hero are buried. Only those afforded the title of National Hero, the highest honour that can be conferred to an individual by Zimbabwe, are allowed to be buried here. People come to lay down wreaths on the graves and the reigning president of Zimbabwe comes to pay their respects. Being declared a national hero is the highest honour that can be bestowed on a Zimbabwean citizen. At the moment almost 200 heroes and heroines are buried at the monument.
Among them are prominent historical figures like Joshua Nkomo and former President Robert Mugabe. Military personnel like Retired Major General Gideon Taurayi Rodello Lifa and Air Commodore Mike Tichafa Karakadzai can also be found there. The monument also caters to individuals who disappeared during the liberation struggle like E. Sithole and E. Dube who haven’t been heard from since 1975 and 1973 respectively. Civilians with extraordinary contributions to Zimbabwe’s glory may also be awarded national heroes.
The National Heroes’ Acre (or Heroes Acre) monument is located on 23 hectares of land on a ridge seven kilometres from Harare along Bulawayo road on the N1 highway. The monument consists of burial sites, murals, a museum and the iconic tomb of the unknown soldier. The monument’s construction began in September of 1981 and it took ten Zimbabwean and seven North Korean architects and artists to come up with the layout.
One of the most notable features of the heroes’ monument is the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The tomb pays homage to the tens of thousands of unidentified liberation fighters who did not make it home. The monument also has an eternal flame that rests on top of the tower modelled after the AK47s that was lit during independence celebrations in 1982. The flame represents the spirit of Zimbabweans. To further elaborate on the heroes’ acre’s significance and the history of it all is in a museum located on site.
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Celebrations and Commemorations
A musical concert titled Heroes Day Gala is held featuring several artists who perform throughout the night on the day and the event will be free to access for the public. The galas are usually held at the National Sports Stadium which is situated opposite the hero's grave site and is broadcast live on ZBC TV. In 2021 the 41st edition of the Heroes Day was commemorated virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic social distancing regulations, the president addressed the country at state house and the gala was held virtually as artists performed on television only.
Zimbabwe Heroes Day is celebrated along with the Zimbabwe Defense Forces Day whereby the country celebrates its defense forces including the ground force army and airforce army. Defense Forces Day is on the next day after Heroes Day and the national army's tactics will be displayed to the public as entertainment.
Following the devastating implications of Covid-19 Zimbabwe was forced to celebrate its National Heroes’ Day virtually for the past two years. That came to an end this year with celebratory formalities marking the 42nd Heroes Day Commemoration in the nation’s capital, Harare last week. Zimbabwean President, Emerson Mnangagwa addressed dignitaries, armed forces and family members of national heroes for the first time in person since the covid-19 pandemic broke.
“It is my singular honour and privilege to be addressing you all, at this Forty-Second commemorations of our National Heroes Day. This day reminds us that we are not an ordinary people; neither are we an ordinary nation. …Zimbabwe has come a long way as a nation born out of a protracted armed liberation struggle, and we have scored victory upon victory since the attainment of our hard-won Independence in 1980.
…As I conclude, I once again call upon us all to honour our heroes and heroines by demonstrating unflinching patriotism and loyalty to our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe. Those we are paying homage to, fought for our independence knowing no tribe but bonded together by their love for Zimbabwe and desire to see our people free. Let us carry the baton as heroes and heroines of this period, right from within our communities. Every one of us is enjoined to play their part.
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The 1980 ZANU (PF) manifesto spoke of a nationalist, socialist Pan-Africanist and democratic Republic - a nation that would rise from the ashes of oppression to lead Africa in economic development and social emancipation. Yet, today, we find ourselves far removed from these noble objectives. Once a beacon of hope and inspiration, Zimbabwe now stands as a cautionary tale. A nation that could have been an example for Africa has instead become a symbol of what happens when leaders lose sight of the people's needs. Our economy lies in ruins, our societies are unsafe, and our people are forced to flee their homeland in search of a better life.
Our National Defence Forces, whose duty is to protect the nation and its citizens, are also a part of this narrative. We appreciate the tireless work of our soldiers, who have stood firm in the face of adversity. However, we must also recognise the role that they have played in the current state of our nation. The involvement of the military in politics has eroded the trust of the people and compromised the integrity of our democratic institutions. As UZA, we believe that the true heroes of Zimbabwe are not just those who fought in the liberation struggle, but also the ordinary citizens who continue to fight for their dignity and rights in the face of overwhelming odds. Our teachers, nurses, low-ranking soldiers, police officers and civil servants are the unsung heroes who deserve recognition and support.
Today, as we remember the past, we must also look to the future. We must recommit ourselves to the ideals of justice, democracy and equality that our heroes fought for. We must demand accountability from those in power and work to build a Zimbabwe that reflects the values of our liberation.
Zimbabwe Celebrates 2021 Heroes Day | Africa Report
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