Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
THE Government has intensified efforts to preserve Zimbabwe’s liberation history through the rehabilitation of key liberation war heritage sites in Mozambique, Zambia and Angola as preparations gather pace for the 2026 National Heroes’ Day commemorations and Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Day celebrations.
Cabinet approved the programmes for the two national events during its latest meeting after considering a report presented by the Acting Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on State Occasions and National Monuments, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe.
Addressing the post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda said the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage has embarked on the second phase of the rehabilitation of Zimbabwe’s liberation war heritage sites in neighbouring countries.
“As part of the 2026 commemorations, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage has embarked on Phase 2 of the rehabilitation of Zimbabwe Liberation War heritage sites in Mozambique and Zambia.”
Dr Soda said the programme targets four sites in Mozambique and six in Zambia, while preparations are also underway to begin work on a historic site in Angola.
“Under this phase, the Ministry is focusing on four (4) sites in Mozambique (Tembue, Nyangao, Doroi and Chicualacuala) and the completion of six (6) sites in Zambia (Freedom Camp, Nampundwe, Mkushi, Mlungushi, Kavalamanja and St Mary’s Kabwe).”
He added: “The Ministry also envisages to start works on Boma site in Angola, where a cenotaph with a roll of honour will be constructed, as well as the construction of a mass grave, ablution facilities and fencing of the site.”
The rehabilitation programme forms part of broader preparations for the 2026 National Heroes’ Day commemorations, which will be held on 10 August under the theme, “Lest We Forget”, with the main event taking place at the National Heroes Acre.
Dr Soda said the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage has completed updating the register of national heroes and heroines.
“The total number of fallen heroes currently stands at 254, with four (4) of them, namely: Cde Petros Khumalo; Cde Shumirai Wekwete; Cde Joseph Zethi Dube; and Cde Herbert Zaba Sambo having been declared posthumously.”
Cabinet also received an update on preparations for the 2026 Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations, which will be held at Rufaro Stadium on 11 August under the theme, “ZDF: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030”.
Dr Soda said the celebrations will feature the President’s address, a military parade, military displays, entertainment by civilian groups and a ZDF Sports Day.
“The Address to the nation by His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces will be the major highlight of the Celebrations.”
Ahead of the commemorations, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces will conduct its annual Community Assistance Week from 27 to 31 July.
“The ZDF Community Assistance Week is the prelude to the 2026 ZDF Day Celebrations and will be carried out from 27 to 31 July 2026. During the period, completed projects constructed by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, working together with partners will be handed over to beneficiaries.”
The commemorations come as Government continues efforts to preserve liberation heritage, honour fallen heroes and strengthen national remembrance through the restoration of historic sites linked to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
