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of Zimbabweans across the political divide are expected to throng the National Heroes Acre for Heroes Day commemorations while the ZDF commemorations will be held at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow.

Zanu-PF and the MDC formations met yesterday where they agreed that people attending the two events should not put on their party regalia.
President Mugabe – who is also the Head of State and Government as well as Commander-in-Chief of ZDF – will deliver a keynote address at both events.

Zanu-PF Politburo member Cde Oppah Muchinguri said the agreement not to put on party regalia was consistent with the Global Political Agreement that compelled all the three political parties to respect national events.

“The GPA prescribes that all political parties respect national events, so in order to avoid flaring of tempers parties have agreed that they should not put on their regalia during these national events,” said Cde Muchinguri.

“Political party representatives for the three political parties met in Harare today (yesterday) and agreed not to wear party regalia. These meetings were not only confined to Harare but were also at district level, including in Mutasa where I come from.”

MDC-T Harare Province spokesperson Mr Obert Gutu confirmed the meeting of the three political parties.
“Yes, we have just met as parties to the GPA and agreed that no party regalia should be worn during Heroes Day commemorations because these are national events,” said Cde Gutu who is also Justice and Legal Affairs Deputy Minister.

Thousands of people, who include Government ministers, senior Government officials, representatives of political parties and war veterans among others, are expected to converge at the national shrine today for the ceremony.

A visit by The Herald to both venues showed that preparations were on course as tents were being pitched at the national shrine while uniformed forces were going through their drills at the giant stadium.

The Zimbabwe National Youth Service Graduate Association marched from Zanu-PF Headquarters to the national shrine to remind people on the importance of the commemoration of Heroes Day.
In an interview at the shrine, their commander, Cde Tawanda Musengi said as youths they cherished the day set aside to remember the sacrifice made by the gallant sons of the country.

“We are urging every youth to cherish this day despite one’s political affiliation. Our march today is part of voluntarism. This is the best we can do to commemorate this day and we started this last year and we have made this march an annual event,” said Cde Musengi.
Zanu-PF Youth Harare province chairman Cde Jimu Kunaka described Heroes Day as an important day.

“That is where our heroes lie. These are the people who made Zimbabwe what it is today, a free country. Most of us have been able to go to school and receive education because of their sacrifice,” said Cde Jimu.

MDC-T spokesperson, Mr Douglas Mwonzora said: “As a party our position is very clear, we cherish the day and we will attend the commemoration to honour our heroes.”
MDC vice president, Mr Edwin Mushoriwa said their members would attend the event not only in the capital but all provincial centres.

“We will definitely attend the ceremonies in all parts of the country, Harare included. All our provincial representatives will also attend the provincial ceremonies,” he said.
Zimbabwe has set aside Heroes Day to commemorate the sterling work by several sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives to fight for the liberation of the country in 1980.

Some of the people are buried at the national shrine, while others were interred in various provinces while others are in various places in and outside the country.