Zimbabwe is at an advanced stage of preparations for the 2026 Heroes Day Commemorations and Defence Forces Day Celebrations.
Speaking during yesterday’s Post Cabinet Briefing, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Soda Zhemu, said the two national events, to be held on August 10 and 11 respectively, will bring together citizens across the country under themes that celebrate Zimbabwe’s liberation heritage and national aspirations.
“Heroes Day commemorations will be held under the theme, “Lest We Forget”, with the main event taking place at the National Heroes Acre in Harare on the 10th of August 2026, alongside commemorations at the country’s 10 Provincial Heroes Acres and 60 District Heroes Acres.
The nation is informed that preparations for the holding of the two events are now at an advanced stage,” he said.
Dr. Zhemu said logistical and administrative arrangements are underway at all levels of Government to ensure successful commemorations in honour of Zimbabwe’s fallen heroes and heroines.
“A fleet of 162 buses will be deployed across the country to transport relatives of heroes and heroines to the respective shrines to participate in the commemorations.
All citizens are therefore invited to join His Excellency the President, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa and the entire nation to commemorate the 2026 Heroes Day,” said Dr. Zhemu.
The Minister also announced that the Defence Forces Day celebrations will be held on August 11 at Rufaro Stadium in Harare, with parallel celebrations taking place at provincial centres under the theme, “ZDF: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030.”
“Ahead of the celebrations, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces will conduct its annual Community Assistance Week from July 27 to 31, during which completed infrastructure projects will be handed over to beneficiaries in various parts of the country.
The projects include Nikita Mangena Clinic in Mwenezi District, Wunga Clinic in Beitbridge District, the Civil Registry Office in Buhera District and the Hallingbury Primary School Early Childhood Development and ICT Complex in Mabelreign, Harare,” he noted.
Dr. Zhemu said the Defence Forces Day programme will feature a keynote address by President Mnangagwa, a military parade mounted by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, military displays and performances by leading local artists, including Sulumani Chimbetu, Kona Ngale, Jah Prayzah and the Air Power Band.
The celebrations will conclude with an international football match between the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Select Team and the Namibian Defence Forces Select Team, highlighting regional military cooperation and camaraderie.
