#ZimbabweHeroesDay2021 by Vongayi Mufara

#ZimbabweHeroes'Day2021

Heroes' Day is a public holiday in Zimbabwe observed on the second Monday in August.

This is a day of remembrance and commemoration of the commitment of Zimbabweans to the struggle for Independence during which thousands perished. The war ended in 1980 when Rhodesia was renamed Zimbabwe when it officially gained independence from Britain. It is estimated that over 10,000 guerrilla fighters lost their lives and over 20,000 civilians were killed. We salute all our Heroes both dead and alive, who sacrificed everything for the birthing of Zimbabwe.

The current situation prevailing in Zimbabwe, which has been characterized by militarization of key state institutions, closure of the democratic space, persecution of dissenting voices, weaponization of the judiciary, gross corruption and plunder of national resources while the majority wallow in abject poverty serves to betray the aspirations of the Heroes who went to war to fight against colonialism for the freedom of all Zimbabweans regardless of political affiliation. Our Heroes did not fight for freedom of ZANU-PF elites only but they fought for the freedom of all Zimbabweans who are now displaced everywhere stateless because of the rogue ZANU-PF government.

I call upon the government of Zimbabwe not to politicise the Heroes status and to recognize all political, social, economic, sports and community heroes regardless of their political affiliation.

Happy Heroes day to all those who continue to fight for justice, freedom and prosperity of Zimbabwe. We want our Zimbabwe back lets continue to fight freedom is coming.

#ZimbabweanLivesMatter

About the author

Vongayi Mufara is a prominent Zimbabwean human rights activist and the Secretary for Information & Publicity for the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe. She is also the Organizing Secretary for the Scotland Branch of the UK Chapter of ROHR Zimbabwe. She writes in her personal capacity in this instance.

She can be contacted by email; - vongayimufara@gmail.com