The Government of Zimbabwe has commenced major expansion and renovation works at the National Heroes Acre in Harare as the current burial space nears full capacity. This development comes ahead of the upcoming Heroes Day commemorations in August and reflects a broader national effort to honour the country’s liberation heroes and maintain historical sites of national importance.
The ongoing project is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, which has contracted two companies to undertake the expansion and refurbishment. The scope of the works includes civil construction on the eastern and western wings of the site, refurbishment of existing infrastructure, and the addition of new features aimed at enhancing the shrine’s aesthetic and symbolic value.
Key components of the project include the creation of additional burial plots, repair of lighting and ablution systems, and the installation of a water feature designed to create a tranquil and dignified atmosphere suitable for a national monument.
According to Ambassador Raphael Faranisi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, the renovation works are carefully timed to avoid disrupting the upcoming Heroes Day celebrations. Speaking to The Sunday Mail, Ambassador Faranisi confirmed that despite the construction activity, preparations for the commemorations are progressing as planned.
“We have engaged two contractors through the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to expand the National Heroes Acre, which currently has only a few remaining burial slots,” said Ambassador Faranisi. “We are carrying out civil works on the eastern and western sides to create additional burial space, while also conducting routine maintenance, including repairs to the lighting and ablution systems.”
He added that President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a directive to upgrade the site to reflect its national importance, including the addition of a decorative water feature. Designs for the installation have already been completed at National Heroes Acre.
Government Embarks on Major Expansion and Renovation of National Heroes Acre
“We have also been directed, and the designs are already done, to have a water feature so that the ambience around our national shrine becomes more attractive,” said Ambassador Faranisi. “This civil work is expected to take about three to four months, and even after the Heroes Day events, we will continue with other upgrades to ensure the site remains a dignified resting place for our national heroes.”
The National Heroes Acre, established in 1981, is the final resting place of Zimbabwe’s most prominent liberation war veterans and national figures. It has long served as a sacred site for state funerals, national commemorations, and educational tours. The need to expand and maintain it is increasingly pressing, particularly as the country continues to honour its liberation legacy.
As part of the broader renovation strategy, the government is also undertaking maintenance and improvements at provincial heroes’ acres across the country. These efforts are being coordinated through the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage.
However, Ambassador Faranisi acknowledged that progress is often constrained by financial limitations. “It is within our mandate to maintain all heroes’ acres across the country,” he said. “The greatest challenge we face is securing adequate financial resources. While the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion has allocated some funds, the support is still far from sufficient.”
He emphasized the importance of national support in preserving these sites and welcomed assistance from individuals or organisations willing to contribute to the upkeep of the shrines.
“Just like in other countries, maintaining national monuments requires consistent investment. When you travel abroad, you’ll see that nations with sufficient financial capacity always ensure their monuments are well preserved,” he said.
In addition to domestic efforts, the government is also turning its attention to liberation war shrines located outside Zimbabwe. These include key sites in Mozambique, Zambia, and Angola, where many Zimbabwean freedom fighters were buried during the liberation struggle.
“In Chimoio, we are soon going to construct ablution facilities and possibly an interpretive centre,” Ambassador Faranisi revealed. “Similar developments are planned for shrines in Zambia and Angola. These sites are an essential part of our liberation history and must be treated with the respect they deserve.”
The expansion and renovation of the National Heroes Acre mark a significant step in preserving Zimbabwe’s liberation legacy while ensuring that future generations can continue to learn from and honour the sacrifices made for independence. While financial constraints remain a challenge, the project reflects a clear commitment to national remembrance and the ongoing evolution of historical preservation in the country.
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