Zimpapers Logo

09.55 – All is set for the Heroes Day commemorations at the National Heroes Acre. President Mnangagwa is expected to preside over the event.

10.18 – Cabinet Ministers and Senior Government officials have started arriving at the National Heroes Acre for the Heroes Day commemorations

10.22 – President Mnangagwa and First Lady Amai Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa have arrived at the National Heroes Acre.

1032 – President Mnangagwa and First Lady Amai Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa arrive at the National Heroes Acre for the Heroes Day commemorations.

10.35 – President Mnangagwa inspects the Half Guard mounted by the Presidential Guard detachment.

10.37 –Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe is now leading the proceedings. Minister Kazembe Kazembe notes the presence of youths from other SADC countries at the Heroes Day commemorations. He invites President Mnangagwa to make his keynote address.

10.55 – President Mnangagwa is now on the podium. He starts with salutations.

11.00 – His Excellency says it is a great honour for him to address the nation on the 44th Heroes Day which is meant to honour and celebrate the lives of the departed heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle.  He says the country continues to forge ahead despite the illegal sanctions and climate change. He notes the stability that has been brought about by the intro of the ZiG currency. He says the country seeks to maintain food self-sufficiency through investment in irrigation equipment. He says the country has already started preparations for the forthcoming summer cropping season.

11.05 – President Mnangagwa says the country is addressing power shortages through the development of solar power plants with commissioning of a 250MW plant expected soon. Infrastructural upgrades in the road sector continues to bring positive results. He notes the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge highway upgrade and says focus has now shifted to other roads such as the Harare-Chirundu highway among others. He notes that the country continues to upgrade its ports of entry to ensure the smooth movement of goods and people. His Excellency says the war against drugs and substance abuse continues to ensure that the menace is eradicated. He also says that efforts are continuing to deal with the issue of gender-based violence. In the education sector, President Mnangagwa says the Government is continuing to encourage public-private partnerships to ensure education for all.

11.15 – He says the nation is endowed with breathtaking natural resources making it a tourist destination of choice. He notes the recent hosting of the Gastronomy Tourism conference in Victoria Falls which has led to the approval of the African Academy in Culinary Arts by the UN. The President says Government is availing resources for the re-burial of fallen heroes who lie in shallow graves within and outside the country.

11.20 – President says the Government continues to improve the welfare of the liberation struggle fighters and their families. He also says that injured victims of the liberation struggle should be registered and compensated.

11.23 – He says the Government is honouring various heroes including the musical group Black Umfolosi for their song Unity which has withstood the taste of time. President Mnangagwa says the country forges ahead with its policy of being a Friend to all and an enemy to none. He notes that this year’s commemorations are special as they are coming a few days before the hosting of the SADC Summit at which Zimbabwe will assume the chair. He urges all citizens to receive all visitors warmly. He concludes his speech by paying tribute to the country’s fallen heroes and says that victory is certain.

11.39 – President Mnangagwa’s address at the 44th Heroes Day commemorations

https://www.herald.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/44TH-HEROES-DAY-COMMEMORATIONS-SPEECH.pdf

11.43 – President Mnangagwa has laid flowers on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

11.44 –Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi have also laid flowers on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

12.00 – President Mnangagwa is now handing over flags to family members of heroes who were awarded National Hero status posthumously. Among the recipients is Mai Tongogara.

12.18 – Mr Devnanda Popatial has been awarded the Royal Order of Munhumutapa for his contribution towards the liberation struggle.

12.26 – Dr Misheck Sibanda has been awarded the Order of the Star of Zimbabwe in Platinum for his immense contribution to the civil service spanning over 43 years. He was also recognised for his literary contributions.

12.33 – Musical outfit Black Umfolosi has been awarded the Order of the Star of Zimbabwe in Bronze for their timeless classic song Unity.

12.40 – Mr Sirizani Butau has been awarded a Gold cross of Zimbabwe for saving lives at an accident scene in Mutare in December 2021.
Mr Butau, a truck driver, was not involved in the accident, but hastily rushed to assist more than half a dozen people out of a bus that caught fire after colliding with a fuel tanker.

12.41 – Jubilee Utsiwegota has been awarded posthumously the Gold Cross of Zimbabwe honour.

12.50 – President Mnangagwa has awarded the Silver Cross of Zimbabwe honour to Peace Magaya aged 12, and Luckmore Magaya aged 9, who saved their grandmother from a crocodile attack in Mhondoro earlier this year.