Raymond Jaravaza/Harare Bureau PRESIDENT Mnangagwa will tomorrow lead the nation in commemorating Heroes Day, followed by celebrations to mark Defence Forces Day on Tuesday, with main events for the two national holidays slated for the National Heroes Acre and Rufaro Stadium in Harare, respectively. Thousands of people are expected to attend both events, while all 10 provinces will host their own commemorations at designated venues countrywide. Heroes Day honours the gallant men and women who sacrificed their lives during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, while paying tribute to those who contributed to the country’s post-Independence development in various sectors, as well as individuals who displayed heroism in their communities. Defence Forces Day recognises the role of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, peace and territorial integrity. By yesterday, preparations for the two national holidays were in full swing, with final rehearsals for Heroes Day scheduled for this afternoon at the National Heroes Acre. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Ambassador Raphael Faranisi confirmed that all logistics were in place, including transport for families of national heroes. “Everything is in place for the commemorations on Monday,” he said. “So, what we have done, in terms of bringing national heroes, spouses and their families, is that we have allocated vehicles and transport to all those who are required to attend. “Approximately, there are about a thousand or so. The ministry has already provided transport that will take them to Harare.” Tomorrow’s ceremony at the National Heroes Acre will see President Mnangagwa awarding medals to heroes and heroines shortlisted for national honours. Families of Cde Benjamin Burombo, Brigadier-General (Rtd) Lameck Francisco Mutanda, Cde John Mbedzi and Cde Jairos Jiri, who were recently declared national heroes, will receive national flags in their honour. A total of 223 families of those interred at the national shrine are expected to attend. Amb Faranisi said the inter-ministerial taskforce organising the events was ready. “We will rehearse key elements of the programme, such as the laying of flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the protocol for recipients of honours,” he added. Across the provinces, preparations for the commemorations were advanced. In Bulawayo, preparations for the 45th commemorations for the Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day are progressing well, with Government putting the final touches at Provincial Heroes Acre in Nkulumane and White City Stadium, the respective venues for the provincial celebrations. On Friday, Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube was at White City Stadium, where members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces were rehearsing for the Monday and Tuesday events. Minister Ncube said as is the norm residents of Bulawayo are expected to attend the events in their thousands. “The people of Bulawayo as always, will come in their thousands to attend the two important events. The usual festivities are expected to keep residents of Bulawayo on their feet while they are entertained by our esteemed members of the defence forces,” said Minister Ncube. The provincial minister called on the youth to attend the two events and have a better appreciation of the hard work of the country’s security forces in keeping external forces at bay. “Men and women lost their lives to liberate our nation from colonial rule and it’s important for the youth to attend the commemorations to better understand the sacrifices that our heroes and heroines made for the independence of our country. “The Defence Forces Day is a special day that we recognise the work that our defence forces put to keep our country safe. It’s important for the youth to be part of the festivities on Monday and Tuesday,” she said. Matabeleland North will mark Heroes Day at the Lupane Provincial Heroes Acre and Defence Forces Day at Somhlolo Stadium. Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo said preparations for the two events are at an advanced stage. Liberation war heroes and heroines who will receive medals have been notified and will grace Heroes Day celebrations in Lupane. “My office and the War Veterans (Ministry of Veterans of the Struggle) ministry have contacted the beneficiaries of the medals who will join us in Lupane for the Heroes Day commemorations. “Families of liberation heroes and heroines, traditional leaders, members of the ruling party Zanu-PF and the general public will be part of the festivities as the country celebrates the lives of the gallant sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives for our independence,” said Minister Moyo. In Matabeleland South Province, the celebrations for Heroes and Defense Forces Day will be held in Gwanda. Matabeleland South Province Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said thousands of people from the province’s seven districts are expected to grace the events. “Preparations for the 2025 Heroes Day Celebrations have been intensified in honour of our gallant sons and daughters who fought and sacrificed their lives during the liberation struggle. “Several preparatory meetings were held throughout our seven districts in the province for both the Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day. The seven districts have undertaken dedicated efforts to ensure that the celebrations are memorable,” said Minister Nguluvhe. “All the shrines at the Provincial Heroes Acre are being cleaned as we honour our departed heroes. All Zimbabweans are called upon to honour and respect these gallant sons and daughters of the soil,” he said. Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube promised a “bigger and better” event this year. He said upgrades at the provincial shrine, including a new ablution facility and refurbished graves, were complete. In Masvingo, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira urged people to attend the two events scheduled for the provincial Heroes Acre and Mucheke Stadium. He underscored the importance of paying tribute to both living and fallen heroes. In Mashonaland Central Province, the Provincial Development Committee finalised logistical arrangements on Friday. Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo said: “Heroes Day is not just a public holiday; it’s a time to remember the gallant sons and daughters of Zimbabwe who gave their all for our freedom.” He said rehearsals for the Defence Forces Day have been taking place at Chipadze Stadium. In Mashonaland East, celebrations will take place at the Provincial Heroes Acre in Marondera, with a music gala in Hwedza to follow the Defence Forces Day commemorations. Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Itayi Ndudzo said preparations were complete and public enthusiasm was high. “We have made all the arrangements for the day, and people are excited about the event,” he said. Mashonaland West’s main celebrations will be in Chinhoyi, with the refurbished Provincial Heroes Acre as the focal point. Popular musicians are expected to provide entertainment. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has since stepped up traffic safety campaigns ahead of the busy holiday, while bus operators have increased capacity to meet rising demand. Meanwhile, excitement was in the air at Bulawayo’s White City Stadium with a sizeable crowd of both young and old watching ZDF members rehearsing for the two events. Sibusiso Mpala, a 12-year-old boy from Iminyela suburb, said he is looking forward to watching ZDF members marching at the stadium. “Every year we come here with my friends to watch soldiers marching at the stadium. I also like watching the goat doing drills with the soldiers,” said young Sibusiso. A local vendor, Mrs Patricia Moyo, said she expects to make good money on the two days that thousands of people are expected to attend the two events. “Soft drinks and snacks sell a lot on both days and I expect to make some money on Monday and Tuesday,” said Mrs Moyo.