National Heroes Acre (Zimbabwe)

Looking down to the statue of the unknown soldier

National Heroes Acre or simply Heroes Acre is a burial ground and national monument in Harare, Zimbabwe. The 57-acre (230,000 m2) site is situated on a ridge seven kilometres from Harare, towards Norton. Its stated purpose is to commemorate Patriotic Front guerrillas killed during the Rhodesian Bush War, and contemporary Zimbabweans whose dedication or commitment to their country justify their interment at the shrine. Persons buried here are considered heroes by the incumbent Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front regime, which has administered the country since independence at 1980.[1] Indeed, most of the recipients of the 'hero status' were known to be Zanu-PF sympathisers.[2] The actual monument itself is modeled after an AK-47.[3]

Construction

Work was initiated on the National Heroes' Acre in September 1981, a year after Zimbabwean independence. Ten Zimbabwean and seven North Korean architects and artists were recruited to map the site's layout. 250 local workers were involved in the project at the height of its construction. Black granite used for the main structures was quarried from Mutoko, about 140 kilometres northeast of the capital, then known as Salisbury.

National Heroes

“ Those heroes subordinated their personal interests to the collective interest of Zimbabwe. They accepted and endured pain, suffering and brutality with fortitude even unto death. ”

National Hero Status is the highest honour that can be conferred to an individual by Zimbabwe and the recipient is entitled to be buried at the National Heroes' Acre. As of 7 August 2001, 47 persons had been interred on site.

Features

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The statue of the unknown soldier

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier recognises unidentified insurgents who lost their lives during the bush war. Included is a bronze statue of three guerrillas - one female, two male - a flagpole, and an ornate artifice.[3]

The Eternal Flame

The Eternal Flame rests atop a tower measuring some forty metres. It was lit at independence celebrations in 1982 and embodies the spirit of Zimbabwean independence. The tower is the highest point at Heroes' Acre; it can readily viewed from Harare.

Wall Murals

Two walls on either side of the monument carry murals depicting the history of Zimbabwe, from pre-colonial times through the Chimurenga, the Rhodesian Bush War, and independence under national hero Robert Mugabe.

Museum

Near the entrance of Heroes' Acre is a museum dedicated to the rise of African nationalism in Zimbabwe and the anti-colonial struggle, showcasing artifacts, photographs, documents and other paraphernalia from the war and the period shortly after independence Zimbabwe National heroes buried at the shrine==

  1. Edgar Tekere
  2. Samuel "Mayor Urimbo" Mamutse
  3. Lameck Makanda
  4. Daniel Nyamayaro Madzimbamuto
  5. Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo
  6. Simon C. Mazorodze
  7. Josiah Magama Tongogara
  8. Sally Hayfron Mugabe
  9. Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo
  10. Alfred Nikita Mangena
  11. Herbert Wiltshire Chitepo
  12. Leopold Takawira
  13. Masotsha Ndlovu
  14. T. M. George Silundika
  15. Mama Mafuyana
  16. Edson Jonasi Mudadirwa Zvobgo
  17. Julia Tukai Zvobgo
  18. Simon Vengai Muzenda
  19. Lookout Masuku
  20. Herbert Sylvester Masiyiwa Ushewokunze
  21. Moven Mahachi
  22. Ernest R. Kadungure
  23. Sydney Donald Malunga
  24. Joseph Culverwell

Solomon Mujuru

  1. Brig General John Zingoni
  2. Josiah Tungamirai
  3. Brigadier General Gumbo
  4. Zororo Duri
  5. Christopher Machingura Ushewokunze
  6. Sikwili Kohli Moyo
  7. Vitalis Zvinavashe
  8. Chenjerai Hunzvi
  9. Border Gezi
  10. Robson Manyika
  11. Josiah Mushore Chinamano
  12. Swithun Mombeshora
  13. Sabina Mugabe
  14. Maurice Nyagumbo
  15. Bernard Chidzero
  16. Elliot Manyika
  17. David Ishemunyoro Karimanzira
  18. Livingstone Mernard Negidi Muzariri
  19. Brig. Gen. Armstrong Gunda
  20. Misheck "Makasha" Chando
  21. Solomon Tapfumaneyi Mujuru
  22. Guy Clutton-Brock
  23. John Landa Nkomo
  24. Herbert Mahlaba
  25. Lt. Gen.(Rtd) Amoth Chingombe
  26. Edson Ncube
  27. Elias Kanengoni
  28. John Zingoni(Brig.Gen)
  29. Nathan Shamuyarira
  30. Kantibhai Gordanbhai
  31. George Lifa(Maj.Gen)
  32. Cornelius Nhloko
  33. Lieutenant Colonel Harold Chirenda
  34. Mike Karakadzai
  35. Kumbirayi Kangai
  36. Enos Nkala
  37. Solomon Chirume Tawengwa
  38. Edison Zvobgo
  39. George Bodzo Nyandoro
  40. Joseph Msika

References

  1. ↑ "National Heroes Acre losing significance?". The Financial Gazette. October 8, 2010. Archived from the original on March 22, 2012. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
  2. ↑ "Mugabe says National Heroes Acre is solely for Zanu PF members". Zimbabwe Metro. October 1, 2010. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Things you didn't know about the Heroes' Acre in Harare

Coordinates: 17°50′04″S 30°59′14″E / 17.83444°S 30.98722°E