ADDRESS
BY
THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE
HIS EXCELLENCY, CDE. E. D. MNANGAGWA
AT
THE FORTY-SIXTH HEROES DAY
COMMEMORATIONS
NATIONAL HEROES ACRE
10TH AUGUST 2026
Director of Ceremonies, Minister of Home Affairs and
Cultural Heritage, Hon. K. Kazembe;
The First Lady, Amai A. Mnangagwa;
Vice President, Hon. Gen. (Rtd) Dr. C. D. G. N.
Chiwenga;
Vice President, Hon. Col. (Rtd) Dr. K. C. D. Mohadi;
Chairman of ZANU PF, and Minister of Defence,
Hon. O. C. Z. Muchinguri-Kashiri;
Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province,
Hon. Sen. C. Tawengwa
Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Advocate J. F. N. Mudenda;
President of the Senate, Hon. Amai M. M. Chinomona;
The Chief Justice, Hon. E. Gwaunza;
Politburo and Central Committee Members;
President of the National Chiefs Council, Hon. Sen.
Chief Mtshane Khumalo and other Traditional Leaders;
Honourable Ministers;
Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet,
Dr. M. Rushwaya;
Chairman of the Public Service Commission,
Dr. V. Hungwe;
Commander, Zimbabwe Defence Forces,
Gen. E. Matatu;
Service Chiefs;
Senior Government Officials;
Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Mayor of the City of Harare, His Worship,
Councillor J. Mafume;
Veterans of the Liberation Struggle;
Families of Heroes and Heroines of the Zimbabwe
Liberation Struggle;
Comrades and Friends.
It is an honour and privilege to address you, my fellow country-men and women at this year’s 46th Heroes Day commemorations. Today, we collectively reflect on the sacrifices made by our departed and living brave, sons and daughters of the soil, who selflessly dedicated their lives in service of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.
As we do so, we stand tall and proud that we are a united people, peaceful, and democratic fast developing nation. Tinovimba kuti magamba edu, navo vose, vanotarisa zvatirikuita, vachiona kuti tiri kuchengetedza nhaka yavakatisiira. Makorokoto. Amhlophe. Zimbabwe.
I recognize that while we are here at the National Shrine, many are gathered at the Provinces, Districts and Wards commemorating this sacred day. Others are following on online platforms, while our Foreign Missions are also marking this important occasion in various jurisdictions.
I commend you all for the patriotism and honour, you are according to our fallen heroes and heroines as well as the rich liberation war heritage.
At this current national political, economic and social development epoch, this year’s Heroes Day theme,“Lest We Forget” is very pertinent. It is a clarion call for us to remain mindful of the weighty obligation we have, to those who laid the foundations for the Zimbabwe we are today. We stand on the shoulders of giants, many of whom are not recorded on glittery books or epitaphs of stone, but their blood is eternally blended with the soils of our land.
Their dreams, hopes and aspirations are alive from generation to generation. As we carry on their legacy of fortitude, gallantry and patriotism, let us be aware that freedom, independence and sovereignty is not free but requires ongoing care, vigilance and diligent stewardship.
I would like to thank veterans of the liberation struggle, along with the families of the national heroes and heroines, for joining us. They endured first-hand and faced many inhumane difficulties associated with the armed liberation struggle.
They have given this country an immeasurable gift through their service. To them and those departed, the nation is forever indebted and grateful.
The theme “Lest We Forget”, also reminds us to never lose sight of the human cost of war. The victory by our departed and living heroes and heroines against a formidable racist colonial force is a source of inspiration, that must give impetus to our resolve as we pursue building a modern and prosperous, Zimbabwe.
The Second Republic will always uphold unity, peace, democracy, order, patriotic discipline and security of all the people of this great nation.
The armed liberation war values that gave birth to an independent Zimbabwe shall continue to shape the country’s national identity. This principle shall never be compromised. Tinoramba avo vanoshuvira kusawirirana, munyika yekwedu.
To-date, we take pride in conquering the challenges of colonialism and facing head-on the illegal sanctions imposed on our country. Zimbabwe is a food-secure and sovereign nation, pursuing technology-driven industrialisation, marching resolutely towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
Bold and timely decisions complemented by prudent monetary policy management strategies have aided in mitigating the impact of global shocks and supply chain disruptions. The economy has continued to experience exchange rate and price stability since September 2024.
Inflation has remained below 5% and is expected to stay within single digits. To strengthen our long-term development initiatives, Government has to-date, reviewed licenses, permits, levies and fees across priority sectors of the economy. Zimbabwe is indeed Open for Business.
In the agriculture sector, proactive approaches are in place towards guaranteeing that our hard-won land is fully utilized. Under the Second Republic, irrigation schemes are now functioning and dams transformed into viable economic hubs. Government and stakeholders continue to work together to achieve the target to expand the national irrigation capacity from the current 274 439 to 496 000 hectares.
The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority is refocused towards structured, market-led agri- businesses. Young farmers are being empowered and resilient communities established. Building on the overall success records of the 2025/2026 agriculture season, my Government has raised its ambition by targeting 662.5 metric tonnes of wheat.
We are proud of farmers across various sub-sectors, who are emerging as new heroes and heroines in the agriculture space.
This success must be sustained as a living monument to the indelible legacy of our forebears, who fought to regain our land from those who had stolen it. May the land, therefore, continue to give forth its fruit so that we can eat and dwell safely in the land of our forefathers. Nyika ngairambe ichibereka zvibereko zvayo, isu tichidya tichiguta, tichigara takachengeteka, muno, munyika yedu yechipikirwa.
Halleluya.
Fellow Zimbabweans, Comrades and Friends;
Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhu-le-ke-lwe ngabanikazi balo.
Zimbabwe will no longer export raw natural resources. We are in a new era of localised value addition, beneficiation, industrialisation, and manufacturing.
This is seeing our economy broaden the range of domestic industries, opening up more jobs and generating higher value, from export earnings.
New heroes and heroines are sprouting in the mining sector. However, this should never be at an expense and detriment to future generations.
My Administration will not excuse any wanton damage of infrastructure, rivers and natural environments.
These must be rehabilitated. Our economy and communities must sustainably enjoy the benefits of our independence, freedom and democracy.
As we honour our heroes and heroines we celebrate the strong linkages in mining and agriculture which are propelling the manufacturing sector as a key driver to higher production and productivity, employment creation and export diversification. Industrial capacity utilisation now exceeds 60%.
This is transforming Zimbabwe’s consumer environment and benefiting our citizens through increased access to higher quality of locally manufactured products.
Our country’s energy and power sector, among other critical enablers, are guaranteeing sturdy availability of fuel and affordable power. Green energy generation and adoption of new technologies, is being accelerated.
Our business environment is resulting in more Independent Power Producers, which improves the energy mix for sufficient power for all sectors, as we head to Vision 2030.
In light of the positive outcomes of the Muzarabani Gas Exploration in Mashonaland Central Province, focus is now on the requisite legislation to manage the sub-sector as well as infrastructure to conveyance the gas reserves.
Satisfactory progress is evident in the upgrade and modernisation of road and aviation infrastructure.
The Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road and Kanyemba Road, along with the next phase of the modernisation of ports of entry, among other projects, will soon usher in tremendous benefits for the travelling public, tourism, as well as access to markets.
The resumption of direct flights to the United Kingdom by our national airline, Air-Zimbabwe, is a welcome development.
My Fellow Comrades, Country-Men and Women; “Lest we Forget”; rural communities bore the burden of the armed war of liberation. Through our rural industrialisation agenda and the “Invest Rural” policy, Government is directing investment towards rural infrastructure, manufacturing hubs, and agro-processing value chain industries.
I invite the private sector and Zimbabweans in the diaspora to tap into the numerous investment opportunities and lower cost drivers in districts and wards as we accelerate the modernisation of our country’s rural areas. Through rural infrastructure projects, the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges that connect communities to schools, clinics, markets and other essential services, continue at a faster pace.
In these initiatives, Local Authorities and the institution of traditional leadership, remain key players and essential custodians as we speed up constructive development that leaves no one and no place behind.
The role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperatives is proving vital for our country’s transforming economic landscape. Complemented by my Government’s policies, record production levels have been realised in both manufacturing and mining through this critical segment. We say well done.
Kwamuri ikoko, kuma small industry enyu, kuma markets, kuma shops enyu, nekumabasa akasiyana-siyana, ngatirambei tichishanda nesimba. Kushanda pamwe chete, kubatana, nekutsunga, ndiko kwakaita kuti, varwi verusununguko, avo vatirikurangarira nhasi, vakunde muvengi, vaunze rusununguko, nekuzvitonga kwedu kuzere. Ngatisakanganwe zvatinodzidza parwedo rwavo.
In reflecting on the arduous journey of our heroes and heroines, let us remember their selfless sacrifices and the numerous opportunities they had to fore-go, including access to education, for us, to be the literate and empowered people, we are today.
I am, therefore, pleased that under the Education Support Programme, the ZANU PF led Government continues to provide school fees for children and dependents of the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle.
Disadvantaged learners at primary and secondary school level, as well as students at tertiary institutions, are also being supported.
In line with this year’s Heroes Day theme, I call upon the education sector, together with the Sports, Arts and Cultural Creative Industries to develop and adopt more programmes and activities to ensure that the memory of our liberation war heritage as well as heroes and heroines is kept alive, especially among the children and young people of our country.
Under the National Development Strategy 2, digital infrastructure expansion by State-owned enterprises and private sector companies is driving inclusivity across rural and urban areas.
To further accelerate economic diversification and industrial competitiveness; my Government is prioritising investment in research, innovation, science and technology. So far, institutions of higher learning are growing into ‘fast lanes’ of innovation, research, entrepreneurship and industrialisation.
Through enhanced local production capacity, stronger supply chain systems and strategic partnerships, the sustained availability of essential medicines, vaccines, and other medical supplies is being scaled up. We are determined to build a health system that is self-reliant, resilient and responsive for fortified national health security.
The transformation of Vocational Training Centres to provide training programmes that are aligned with the needs of the modern economy should result in more productive young people, right from the ward level, who are a testament that we are totally independent and masters of our own destiny.
Tinoda vechidiki vanoratidza nemabasa avo kuti tiri Nyika inehunhu, inoshanda nesimba, neremangwana rakajeka, kubudikidza nevechidiki.
Ini saPresident wenyu, ndinovimba nemi. Pamberi nema youth edu. Pamberi nema youth anegwara, anoshanda nesimba. Pasi nenyope. Sifuna ama-youth alembeko, asebenza nzima, athanda ilizwe lethu. Phansi lobuvila.
Fellow Zimbabweans;
The Second Republic, remains committed to rehabilitating Government Offices and housing, servicing land for residential development, facilitating the issuance of title deeds to enhance security of tenure and unlock economic opportunities.
These initiatives will ensure that the aspirations of our Liberation Struggle continue to be translated into tangible socio-economic benefits.
As we honour the many gallant sons and daughters of the soil who secured our freedom, we also celebrate the remarkable milestones realised in the Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture sectors. Outstanding achievements were realized in different categories with the national men’s relay team securing qualification for the World Athletics Championships; Zimbabwe Cricket Team qualified for the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The National Swimming Team won medals at the African Aquatics Championships and the National Rugby Team launched its World Cup campaign with encouraging performance. We say well done to these young patriotic citizens.
Let us use this important season of honouring those who fought for the independence and freedom of our country to reaffirm our collective responsibility to preserve Zimbabwe’s rich environmental endowments for future generations. Protecting our land, pristine forests, wildlife, and water resources is, therefore, not only an environmental obligation but also, an act of patriotism and stewardship.
My Administration has rolled out innovative reforms that are giving coherent structures, clarity of roles, and fluency to operations in the Public Service. Government workers are being re-skilled to be fit for purpose, agile, and fully aligned to the development aspirations of our country.
As we continue to strengthen service delivery, the Citizen Engagement Platform, which I launched earlier this year, is expected to harness the views of citizens and other stakeholders, towards fostering accountability, responsiveness, prudent utilisation and management of resources.
A modern and technologically enabled justice sector is a key enabler of sustainable economic growth and the attainment of Vision 2030. Under NDS 2, Government will accelerate constitutional alignment of legislation, expand digital justice services, strengthen anti-corruption and asset recovery frameworks, as well as broaden access to legal aid.
To bridge the urban-rural information divide, greater access to media and broadcasting services, new community radio stations have been licensed, in Marondera, Rusape, Gutu and Gokwe.
Government has completed some aspects of the Smart Traffic Management System, which will be rolled out throughout the provinces. This flagship Whole-of-Government and Society strategy is aimed at restoring sanity and safety on our public roads.
Zimbabwe is now reaping the dividends of being a premier tourism destination. Unity, peace and harmony prevailing in our nation, complemented by deeply entrenched values of national cohesion, remain sacrosanct. These critical ingredients, saw the passing of the Constitutional Amendment Act Number 3. This attests to our maturing democracy. Congratulations to all the people of Zimbabwe.
We have come of age, as a united and hard-working nation and Vision 2030 is becoming a reality, for a higher quality of life and prosperous livelihoods for more people.
Zimbabwe’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, stands as a defining endorsement of growing international confidence in our country’s constructive role in global affairs.
Having fought the protracted armed war of liberation, we understand the cost of war. We, thus, remain committed to the promotion of international peace, security and sustainable development, for all peoples. Zimbabwe shall remain ‘a Friend to All and an Enemy to None’.
Fellow Zimbabweans;
“Lest We Forget”, the struggle for independence involved the collective efforts and dedication of all communities, our war veterans, non-combatant cadres, war collaborators, political prisoners and detainees.
Government is, therefore, implementing seamless welfare support and economic empowerment initiatives to cover this special category of our demography.
Detailed historical research and biography updates for our fallen heroes is being undertaken to ensure that the rich liberation history and correct narratives are permanently etched in our national memory.
The digitisation of Liberation War archives, and integration of the Liberation Heritage into the education curriculum and tourism circuits, are receiving attention.
Recently, five national heroes, who include, Brigadier General Gibbs Kachana, Cde Saul Gwakuba Ndlovu, Cde Hebert Zaba Sambo, Cde Noah Rakafa Gumbochuma and Proffessor Sheunesu Mupepereki were re-buried at this sacred National Shrine. May their souls continue to rest in eternal peace.
In concluding, I once again thank you, all my dear Fellow country-men and women; for your contribution to the peaceful, tranquil and secure environment which is prevailing throughout the nation. Let us continue on this good path as we maintain our strong and unbreakable bonds of unity and national cohesion.
Persistent and consistent patriotism, love for our country, and enduring spirit of resilience must see us develop and modernise our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe, with accelerated speed. I encourage us to remain focused, proactive and forward looking as we defend, safeguard and promote our national interests, unique cultural values, norms and rich liberation heritage.
I, further, challenge us to entrench a high-performance culture in all sectors, geared to grow the economy and uplift the living standards of the ordinary people.
The development and wealth of our country is for all citizens. Hence, life-transforming results must be the critical focus in all programmes and projects, sector by sector, across all Provinces, Districts, Wards and Villages.
I call upon us, to always shun and reject divisive machinations. Be assured that Government has plans in place to mitigate the negative impacts of the projected El Nino induced drought. Our communities should be encouraged to remain positive and plant at the appropriate time, as guided by the respective Departments, ahead of the 2026/2027 agriculture season.
We are a unitary and indivisible state, From Plumtree to Mutare, Zambezi to Limpopo, singing one national anthem, under one national flag. Under my leadership, we shall continue on an upward economic growth trajectory; nurturing a stable and peaceful society as well as consolidating a sound constitutional and democratic order.
This is how we pledge to honour our departed heroes and heroines. As we develop, modernise, industrialise towards Vision 2030; we shall never ever forget their sacred sacrifices.
Long live the memories of our heroes and heroines. Long live our freedom, independence and sovereignty. Long live Zimbabwe.
With these remarks, I wish every community across our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe and citizens in the diaspora, a peaceful, and memorable 46th Heroes Day Commemorations.
God bless you all.
God bless Zimbabwe.
I thank you.