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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]

THE National Heroes Acre, provincial and district heroes shrines that have been established in the country are not just ordinary cemeteries but are revered monuments where the remains of the gallant sons and daughters who fought to liberate the country from oppressive British rule are interred.

On Monday 14 August 2023, the nation will gather at the National Heroes Acre and provincial and district heroes’ shrines to celebrate Heroes Day under the theme, “Remembering Our Heroes- Nyika Inovakwa Nevene vayo/Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo.”

The main celebrations will be held at the National Heroes Acre in Harare. The National Heroes Acre is a symbol and celebration of Zimbabwe’s triumph over adversities associated with dispossession and colonialism. It is also a symbol of bravery, selflessness and commitment of Zimbabweans to the struggle of Independence during which thousands perished.

The National Heroes Acre was established in 1980 with the purpose of honouring Zimbabweans who died within and outside the country while fighting for the country’s independence.

Towering majestically at the national shrine is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which symbolises the final resting place for tens and thousands of Zimbabweans who sacrificed their lives to liberate the country, but whose remains  are scattered in valleys, disused mines, caves, unknown graves and mass graves spread across the nation and in the neighbouring states.

The Government saw it fit to have shrines at provincial and district level where provincial and district heroes can be laid to rest. This has also given opportunity to citizens to be able to celebrate Heroes Day in their communities.

There are provincial heroes’ acres in each  of the country’s 10 provinces while district shrines have been established in various districts. Residents of each province and district gather at these shrines each year, where the provincial ministers and district development coordinators read the President’s speech. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has also been set up at the provincial and district shrines.

Families get to lay wreaths on the graves of their late relatives lying at the heroes acres on Heroes Day in remembrance of their sacrifices.

Zimbabwe Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees Association (ZEPPDRA) Matabeleland South chairman, Cde Linnos Sibanda said the shrines which have been established in the country should be of monumental value to all citizens.

Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees Association (ZEPPDRA) Matabeleland South chairman, Cde Linnos Sibanda

“The National Heroes Acre is an important part of the liberation struggle and so are the district and provincial shrines. This is where the remains of our gallant sons and daughters who died protecting the country in the liberation war against British rule were interred. We continue to bury other fallen heroes who played a crucial part in liberating the country.

“The people who are buried at these shrines put their lives on the line to ensure that we have a liberated Zimbabwe that we are enjoying today. Each time we visit the monumental shrines to bury a fallen comrade, that moment is of sentimental value to me. For us who were involved in the struggle, we attach great value to these shrines. They are not just graveyards but our history,” he said.

Cde Sibanda said visiting the shrines was also an opportunity to celebrate the bravery and commitment of the freedom fighters, both those who had been accounted for and those who had not been accounted for.

Gwanda resident, Mrs Maretha Dube said the establishment of shrines in various provinces and districts has helped citizens to have a better understanding of the liberation struggle and the work that was done by the brave freedom fighters.

She  said the shrines also play a crucial role in helping youths to understand the importance of the liberation struggle. 

Mrs Dube said the shrines also help to instill a sense of patriotism among citizens.

“Thanks to the existence of the provincial and district shrines people from all walks of life can be a part of the Heroes Day celebrations. We can gather in our own provinces and districts in the presence of the fallen heroes from our localities and honour them. Through the shrines we get a better understanding of the work which was done by the liberation fighters and importance of their selfless sacrifices.

“The future generations upon seeing the shrines will understand the magnitude of the work of the liberation fighters which led to political independence. The rest of the world can also see the value that we attach to the liberation struggle and those who were involved in it. The importance which Government attaches to our national, provincial and district heroes acres shows how important these shrines are,” she said.

Mrs Dube said the shrines are also places where families can get closure for the loss of their relatives who died during the liberation struggle. She said comrades also get an opportunity to mourn their fellow comrades.

Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Abedinico Ncube said it is important for every citizen to be a part of the Heroes Day celebrations. 

He said it is important for schools to educate learners on the national, provincial and district shrines so that youngsters know their significance. 

Cde Ncube said this will help citizens of the country to understand the importance of safeguarding the gains of the liberation struggle.

“The National Heroes Acre is an iconic monument and should be treated with the necessary reverence. So should the provincial and district heroes acres located in various provinces of the country. In order for a person to be laid to rest at these shrines, they would have played a very significant role in liberating the country.

“It’s therefore important that when the nation is invited to gather at various shrines for National Heroes Day, people comply. Firstly as a nation we have to understand the importance of gathering at the various shrines and the status of the people who are buried at these shrines. This will motivate us to attach the necessary value to our Heroes Day celebrations,” he said.