Staff Reporter
Government has rolled out preparations for this year’s Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day commemorations, with three outstanding individuals set to receive national honours for their exceptional contributions.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, revealed the plans today following a Cabinet meeting, outlining a series of events that will honour both the nation's past heroes and contemporary achievers.
The main Heroes Day commemorations will be held at the National Heroes Acre in Harare on August 11, 2025, with simultaneous provincial events across the country.
"The Government of Zimbabwe is gearing up for the 2025 Heroes Day Commemorations," Dr Muswere said, adding that preparations include finalizing the list of national heroes and heroines, with 222 families expected to attend the Harare ceremony.
The following day, August 12, will see the Defence Forces Day celebrations take centre stage at Rufaro Stadium under the theme "Zimbabwe Defence Forces: Guaranteeing a Conducive Environment for the Attainment of Vision 2030."
The event promises to be a spectacular showcase featuring a military parade, displays of defence capabilities, and entertainment performances.
A highlight will be a soccer match pitting a Zimbabwe Defence Forces select team against a regional select side.
This year's honours list includes three remarkable recipients who embody different aspects of national service.
Dr. Vladimir Shubin, the former head of the Africa Section of the Soviet Afro-Asian Solidarity Committee, will receive the Royal Order of Munhumutapa in recognition of his international solidarity work.
In a heartwarming nod to youthful bravery, teenager Chidhudhu Innocent will be awarded the Silver Cross of Zimbabwe for rescuing two children from a burning house in Bindura.
Completing the trio is medical pioneer Dr. Madeline Nyamwanza, Zimbabwe's first female African medical doctor, who will receive the Robert Gabriel Mugabe Commendation Award for her groundbreaking work in human capital development.
The celebrations will also see 2 000 veterans of the liberation struggle receive Independence Medals, distributed through provincial ministers.
This mass recognition forms part of Government's ongoing commitment to honour those who fought for Zimbabwe's freedom.
The medal presentations will extend to deserving civil servants as well, with recipients being gazetted and honoured in phases throughout the year.
As the nation prepares for these important annual observances, the events promise to blend solemn remembrance with celebratory recognition, connecting Zimbabwe's proud liberation history with its contemporary achievements and future aspirations.
The inclusion of both international allies and local heroes across different generations reflects Government's approach to national commemoration - one that values diverse contributions to Zimbabwe's development story while maintaining focus on the Vision 2030 goals.
With preparations now underway, the 2025 celebrations are poised to be among the most inclusive and meaningful in recent years.
