By Desire Tshuma
Harare – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged Zimbabweans to never forget the immense sacrifices made by the country’s liberation heroes and heroines, calling for unity, peace and development to preserve the legacy for which they fought for.
Addressing the nation during the 46th Heroes Day commemorations at the National Heroes Acre on August 10, 2026, President Mnangagwa said the occasion was a solemn reminder of the lives dedicated to freeing Zimbabwe from colonial rule.
“It is an honour and privilege to address you, my fellow countrymen 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,” he said.
The President invoked the enduring call of “Lest We Forget”, urging Zimbabweans to remember the courage, suffering and sacrifices of those who fought for the country’s independence.
He said the sacrifices of the liberation generation had placed a responsibility on present and future generations to protect Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and build a peaceful and prosperous nation.
President Mnangagwa said the Second Republic remained committed to maintaining peace, democracy, order, political discipline and security, describing these values as essential to national development.
“The Second Republic will always uphold peace, democracy, order, political discipline and security of all the people of our great nation,” he said.
He stressed that the ideals of the liberation struggle should continue guiding Zimbabweans, warning against losing sight of the principles for which thousands of people sacrificed their lives.
The President said remembering the country’s heroes should not be confined to annual commemorations, but should be demonstrated through actions that promote national unity, economic progress and improved livelihoods.
He also highlighted Government’s development agenda, including efforts to strengthen productive sectors, improve infrastructure, create opportunities for citizens and accelerate economic transformation.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabweans had a collective responsibility to ensure that the country’s natural and human resources were used to build a better future for current and coming generations.
The emotional commemorations brought together senior Government officials, liberation war veterans, families of heroes and heroines, service chiefs, members of the diplomatic corps and other citizens.
Among those present were First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, Vice Presidents General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Colonel (Rtd) Dr Kembo Mohadi, ZANU PF First Secretary and Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province Charles Tawengwa and Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda.
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, senior Government officials, service chiefs, liberation war veterans and families of Zimbabwe’s heroes and heroines also attended the commemorations.
In a poignant reminder of the debt owed to the liberation generation, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabweans must ensure that the sacrifices of those who came before them were not in vain.
He urged citizens to safeguard the country’s heritage and remain committed to building a united, peaceful and prosperous Zimbabwe.
The President’s message resonated with the central meaning of Heroes Day — that the freedom enjoyed by Zimbabweans came at a tremendous human cost and that every generation carries the responsibility of protecting and advancing the legacy left behind.
As the nation honoured its heroes, the message from the National Heroes Acre was unmistakable: Zimbabwe must remember its past, cherish its hard-won independence and ensure that the sacrifices of its sons and daughters continue to inspire the nation’s future.