…Zim marks August with a difference
By Lungile Siziba
Zimbabweans have an August with a difference this year. In the past, the month of August was specifically to remember the heroes and heroines, some living and others departed, who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the country.
It is also in August that Zimbabweans remember the works done day in and day out by the Defence Forces protecting the country from enemies.
But this year, straight from remembering the heroes and heroines on Heroes Day and the Defence Forces Day on the following day, registered voters have a chance to defend their sovereignty of the country a few days later through voting President Mnangagwa and Team ZANU PF candidates such as MPs and councillors.
ZANU PF has demonstrated its desire to ensure citizens lead better lives after coming up with a number of tangible infrastructure projects across the country.
Various developments are being rolled out at a pace that has not been since 1980 and every province has a major project going on there, as President Mnangagwa seeks to ensure that no person or place is left behind.
The 2023 National Heroes Day commemorations will be held at the National Heroes’ Acre on August 14, under the theme, “Remebering our heroes – Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo”.
President Mnangagwa is expected to preside over the event.
All the 196 heroes and heroines’ families are expected to attend the commemorations.
In line with the Second Republic’s devolution and decentralisation ethos, provinces and districts will be allocated buses for the transportation of the public, with each of the rural provinces allocated five buses, while each district will get one.
Harare Metropolitan Province will have 50 buses and Bulawayo Metropolitan Province 15.
Entertainment galore
A strong cast of artistes has been lined up for the day.
Some of the artistes and musial groups set to perform on Defence Forces Day are Maungira Enharira, Heavenly Praises Choir and Vatumwa VaMwari.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police Band, which has become a household name especially during the provincial galas being held in honour of national heroes and heroines after Presidential star rallies, will be on stand-by.
A Heroes Gala is set to be held at Vengere Stadium in Rusape Town, Manicaland Province, on the night of August 13, with 23 artistes performing.
Some of the artistes expected to entertain those who will attend the musical show include Sulumani Chimbetu, Cheso Boys, the Police Band, Nicholas Zachariah, Dorcas Moyo, Agatha Murudzwa, Chief Hwenje, Ma-nine, D.T Bio Mudimba, DJ Fantan, Mathias Mhere, Iyasa, Minister Michael Mahendere, Enzo Ishall, Mambo Dhuterere, Tambaoga, Romeo “Simbi hombe” Gasa, and sungura ace Mark Ngwazi.
3 outstanding people, one organisation to be honoured
It is a day to honour the nation’s heroes, and three new ones, will get their badges on the day for their outstanding work in various disciplines.
Those lined up to be honoured are Dr Sikhulile Moyo, Ambassador Mary Mubi, Dr Agnes Mahomva, and the Angel of Hope Foundation.
On the following day, Zimbabwe will celebrate the Defence Forces Day at the National Sports Stadium under the theme, “Brick by Brick, Stone Upon Stone – Zimbabwe Defence Forces: Creating a Conducive Environment for the Attainment of Vision 2030”.
A lot of captivating entertainment has been planned for the day, including military displays comprising Parachute Drops, Commando Flood Rescue simulation and Taekwondo as well as military hardware exhibitions outside the National Sports Stadium featuring Artillery, Mounted and Mechanised equipment.
Musical entertainment will be provided by Alick Macheso and the Chillspot Records Stable in the morning.
An invitation has been extended to the Malawi Defence Forces to send a team that will contest for the Defence Forces Trophy against the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Soccer Select Team.
The National Heroes Day commemorations will also be held in all the other provinces and districts, but the Defence Forces Day celebrations will be limited to the provinces.
