Robert Mugabe of the Zimbabwe African National Union along with Joshua Nkomo of the Zimbabwe African People's Union. Both organization fought for the national liberation of Zimbabwe during the 1960s and 1970s.
Originally uploaded by Pan-African News Wire File Photos
By Elita Chikwati
Zimbabwe Herald
Zimbabweans will today mark the 30th Heroes Day since Indepen-dence in 1980 with the main comme-morations taking place at the National Heroes’ Acre in Harare.
Eighty heroes and six heroines are interred at the national shrine, which will be open to the public from as early as 7am.
President Mugabe will address the nation through a live televised broadcast from the National Heroes’ Acre.
Provincial governors will read copies of the President’s speech in the other nine provinces.
Apart from those interred at the shrine, thousands of others — immo-rtalised by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — are buried across the countryside and in Mozambique and Zambia.
Yesterday, the three political parties to the Global Political Agree-ment were unequivocal in underscoring today’s importance on the national calendar.
The parties agreed that the heroes lying at the national and provincial shrines deserve respect for their contribution to Zimbabwe’s indepen-dence and development.
The citizenry, they said, should always remember that the freedom they enjoyed today was a result of sacrifices of those who took up arms against the brutal and racist settler regime.
Zanu-PF secretary for administration Cde Didymus Mutasa said: "Those who are lying at the Heroes’ Acre have paid the supreme price.
"If it were not for them and thousands of others, we would not be experiencing the happiness we have in our country."
MDC-T spokesman Mr Nelson Chamisa said it was important to also remember those who led the First Chimurenga on Heroes’ Day.
"We call for all Zimbabweans to express honour for those who contributed to the liberation struggle, including Mbuya Nehanda and Sekuru Kaguvi.
"The event gives us the opportunity to reflect on the gallant sons and daughters who defended this country," he said.
He said the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays provided crucial platforms for a convergence of minds on nation-building.
"Our common totem is Zimbabwe, so we have to subordinate our political parties.
"The country is bigger than our political parties," he said.
MDC spokesman Mr Edwin Mushoriwa added: "We want Zimbabweans to remember the people who sacrificed their lives for our independence.
"We should look back and see if we are leading lives worth the blood and lives of those who perished during the struggle."
In Bulawayo, the commemorations will be held at the Provincial Heroes’ Acre in Nkulumane where Governor Cain Mathema will read President Mugabe’s speech.
Somhlolo Stadium in Lupane will be the venue of the commemorations in Matabeleland North while the Matabeleland South event will be at Gwanda’s Pelandaba Stadium.
Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial secretary for transport and welfare Cde Langelihle Mathe said: "Zimba-bweans could not liberate themselves through talking during the days of minority rule but there are brave sons and daughters who took it upon themselves to fight for the country we are proud of today.
"We remember our heroes as selfless people who dedicated their lives for the interest of the country."
MDC-T House of Assembly representative for Bulawayo East and party deputy spokesperson Ms Tabitha Khumalo said: "The sons and daughters, departed and alive, who sacrificed their dear lives to liberate this country must be accorded enough respect.
The main parties’ agreement on the importance of Heroes Day comes as Zimbabwe carries out the two important tasks of writing a new constitution and national healing.
Transport to the National Heroes’ Acre will be available from the usual pick-up points.
The nation will be treated to a Heroes Gala at Gwanzura Stadium from 6pm on Friday to 6am on Saturday.
Tickets are available at Kingstons outlets for US$2 while admission at the gates will be US$3.
Meanwhile, rural bus operators have registered a slight improvement in business due to the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays.
Chivero Bus Service official, Mr Patrick Mabasa, said business started picking up on Thursday and was improving daily.
However, he said, business was not as brisk as in previous years.
"It seems commuters now prefer private transport and this has greatly affected us," he said.
Mbare Musika bus terminus is usually congested around public holidays with people spending days camped there.
Yesterday, scores of travellers thronged bus stops and undesignated points along major roads leading out of Harare.
Those travelling to Murewa, Mutoko and Nyamapanda were hitching transport near Holiday Inn along Samora Machel Avenue.
Those going to Mvurwi, Guruve and Bindura were crowded at the stretch of Sam Nujoma Street between Herbert Chitepo and Josiah Chinamano avenues.
Commuters travelling to Bulawayo were looking for transport outside the Exhibition Park.
Police yesterday said they had not recorded any major traffic accidents in the lead-up to the holiday.
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