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By Yvonne Chitambira
Midlands Province has stepped up preparations for the 2026 Heroes and Defence Forces Day commemorations, with provincial leadership convening a high-level planning meeting to finalise logistical and organisational arrangements ahead of the national events.
The meeting, chaired by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Midlands Province, Hon. Owen Ncube, brought together senior government officials, representatives from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, local authorities, emergency services and other key stakeholders to ensure the province is fully prepared to host the commemorations.
The annual events, which honour the sacrifices of Zimbabwe's liberation heroes and recognise the role of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in safeguarding the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, will be held at the Provincial Heroes Acre in Gweru.
According to the programme discussed during the meeting, Heroes Day will be commemorated on Monday, 10 August 2026, while Defence Forces Day will be observed on Tuesday, 11 August 2026.
Addressing officials during the meeting, Hon. Ncube underscored the significance of the commemorations, calling for meticulous planning and seamless coordination among all stakeholders.
"These commemorations are among the most important events on our national calendar. They provide us with an opportunity to honour the gallant sons and daughters of Zimbabwe who sacrificed their lives for the country's freedom and independence. It is therefore imperative that every stakeholder plays their part to ensure the events are conducted in a dignified, organised and befitting manner."
He urged government departments and organising committees to work collaboratively to ensure all logistical arrangements, including security, transport, health services, protocol, sanitation and public convenience, are completed well ahead of the commemorations.
"Our responsibility is to ensure that all preparations are completed on time so that the people of Midlands Province can participate in commemorating our national heroes in an environment that reflects the importance and dignity of these occasions."
The meeting also reviewed measures aimed at ensuring the smooth movement of dignitaries, veterans, members of the public and invited guests attending the commemorations.
Organisers said the events will pay tribute to the men and women whose courage and selflessness contributed to Zimbabwe's liberation struggle while also recognising the continued role of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in protecting the country's peace, security and sovereignty.
The commemorations will be held under this year's national theme:
"Their Sacrifice. Our Freedom. Our Duty. Our Future. Lest We Forget."
The theme serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Zimbabwe's liberation heroes and the collective responsibility of present and future generations to safeguard the nation's independence and uphold the values for which they fought.
The annual Heroes Day commemorations are observed on the second Monday of August and are dedicated to honouring individuals who made outstanding contributions during Zimbabwe's liberation struggle. Defence Forces Day, observed the following day, recognises the service and commitment of members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in defending the country's independence and maintaining national security.
The meeting, chaired by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Midlands Province, Hon. Owen Ncube, brought together senior government officials, representatives from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, local authorities, emergency services and other key stakeholders to ensure the province is fully prepared to host the commemorations.
The annual events, which honour the sacrifices of Zimbabwe's liberation heroes and recognise the role of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in safeguarding the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, will be held at the Provincial Heroes Acre in Gweru.
According to the programme discussed during the meeting, Heroes Day will be commemorated on Monday, 10 August 2026, while Defence Forces Day will be observed on Tuesday, 11 August 2026.
Addressing officials during the meeting, Hon. Ncube underscored the significance of the commemorations, calling for meticulous planning and seamless coordination among all stakeholders.
"These commemorations are among the most important events on our national calendar. They provide us with an opportunity to honour the gallant sons and daughters of Zimbabwe who sacrificed their lives for the country's freedom and independence. It is therefore imperative that every stakeholder plays their part to ensure the events are conducted in a dignified, organised and befitting manner."
He urged government departments and organising committees to work collaboratively to ensure all logistical arrangements, including security, transport, health services, protocol, sanitation and public convenience, are completed well ahead of the commemorations.
"Our responsibility is to ensure that all preparations are completed on time so that the people of Midlands Province can participate in commemorating our national heroes in an environment that reflects the importance and dignity of these occasions."
The meeting also reviewed measures aimed at ensuring the smooth movement of dignitaries, veterans, members of the public and invited guests attending the commemorations.
Organisers said the events will pay tribute to the men and women whose courage and selflessness contributed to Zimbabwe's liberation struggle while also recognising the continued role of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in protecting the country's peace, security and sovereignty.
The commemorations will be held under this year's national theme:
"Their Sacrifice. Our Freedom. Our Duty. Our Future. Lest We Forget."
The theme serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Zimbabwe's liberation heroes and the collective responsibility of present and future generations to safeguard the nation's independence and uphold the values for which they fought.
The annual Heroes Day commemorations are observed on the second Monday of August and are dedicated to honouring individuals who made outstanding contributions during Zimbabwe's liberation struggle. Defence Forces Day, observed the following day, recognises the service and commitment of members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in defending the country's independence and maintaining national security.
Published
August 4, 2026 at 7:00 AM
