HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa will honour the legacies of four outstanding Zimbabweans who were recently posthumously declared national heroes, by presenting their families with national flags at this year’s Heroes Day commemorations, scheduled for Monday, August 11, 2025.
The announcement was made by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, during a post-Cabinet media briefing held in Harare on Tuesday. Dr Muswere confirmed that preparations are now at an advanced stage for both the Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day celebrations, which mark some of the most significant events on Zimbabwe’s national calendar.
The four individuals to be honoured at the National Heroes Acre in Harare are:
Cde Benjamin Burombo, a renowned nationalist and labour rights activist;
Brigadier-General (Rtd) Lameck Francisco Mutanda, a decorated military officer;
Cde John Mbedzi, a veteran of the liberation struggle;
And Cde Jairos Jiri, a pioneer of disability rights and humanitarian work in Zimbabwe.
“These four men made immense contributions to the development and liberation of Zimbabwe,” said Dr Muswere. “His Excellency, the President, will hand over national flags to the families of these heroes as a symbol of the nation’s recognition of their enduring legacy.”
The ceremony will be part of the main Heroes Day event to be held at the National Heroes Acre, with 223 families of fallen heroes and heroines expected to attend. Provincial commemorations will take place simultaneously across the country.
The following day, Defence Forces Day will be commemorated at Rufaro Stadium in Harare under the theme: “Zimbabwe Defence Forces: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030.” Dr Muswere said preparations are in full swing, with rehearsals for military parades, ceremonial drills, and performances already underway.
“The event will include a military parade, live performances from selected entertainment groups, and a soccer match between the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Select team and current Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League champions, Simba Bhora,” he said.
In the run-up to the commemorations, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day Community Assistance Week, which began on July 28, will continue until August 7. During this period, members of the defence forces are engaging in various community outreach projects, including health services, infrastructure rehabilitation, and clean-up campaigns across the country.
President Mnangagwa to Honour Four Newly Declared National Heroes at 2025 Heroes Day Commemorations
In the same briefing, Dr Muswere provided updates on the upcoming 46th Independence Day and National Children’s Party celebrations, scheduled to take place in Maphisa, Matobo District, in Matabeleland South Province, in April 2026.
“This marks the first time that the Independence Day main celebrations will be held in Maphisa, and preparations are already underway to ensure successful hosting of the event,” said Dr Muswere.
He reported that various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) had been instructed to prioritise infrastructure and logistical preparations for the event. “Initial venue works have started, and MDAs have been directed to ensure timely completion of all required projects to support the national event.”
The decentralisation of national commemorations is part of the government’s push to promote inclusive development and national unity by rotating the hosting of major state events across all provinces.
Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day are seen as crucial platforms for honouring those who sacrificed for Zimbabwe’s liberation and sovereignty, while reaffirming the role of the defence forces in safeguarding peace and national development.
President Mnangagwa has repeatedly emphasised the importance of recognising the contributions of both war veterans and civilians who have played pivotal roles in shaping the country. This year’s posthumous honours for Burombo, Mutanda, Mbedzi, and Jiri are being seen as an effort to widen the scope of national remembrance beyond the battlefield—recognising social and humanitarian contributions as equally vital.
In his previous Heroes Day address, Mnangagwa underscored the government’s commitment to national healing and reconciliation, while pledging continued support for the welfare of veterans and families of fallen heroes.
As the country counts down to the commemorations, both Heroes and Defence Forces Days are expected to draw large crowds, including top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society leaders, and ordinary Zimbabweans, who will gather in collective remembrance and celebration of national unity and resilience.
