National Heroes Acre or simply Heroes Acre is a burial ground and national monument in Harare, Zimbabwe. The 23-hectare (57-acre) 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 two AK-47s lying back-to-back; the graves are meant to resemble their magazines.[3][4] It closely mirrors the design of the Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery in Taesong-guyŏk, just outside Pyongyang, North Korea.[5]
The monument is an early example of work of the North Korean firm Mansudae Overseas Projects, which went on to construct a similar cemetery in Namibia, Heroes' Acre.[6]
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. The cemetery was completed in 1982.[6]
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.[7] As of 7 August 2001, 47 persons had been interred on site, rising to 161 by November 2022.
Features
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier recognises unidentified insurgents who lost their lives during the liberation 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.[7] 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 be 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.
Burials
- Cephas Cele
- Oliver Mtukudzi
- Felix Ngwarati Muchemwa
- Sabina Mugabe
- Edgar Tekere
- Samuel Mamutse
- Dzingai Mutumbuka
- Lameck Makanda
- Daniel Nyamayaro Madzimbamuto
- Stanford Shamu
- Joshua Nkomo
- Simon Mazorodze
- Josiah Tongogara
- Sally Mugabe
- Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo
- Alfred Nikita Mangena
- Herbert Wiltshire Chitepo
- Leopold Takawira
- Masotsha Ndlovu
- T. M. George Silundika
- Johanna "Mama" MaFuyana
- Major General Charles Njodzi Dauramanzi
- Edson Jonasi Mudadirwa Zvobgo
- Julia Tukai Zvobgo
- Simon Vengai Muzenda
- Lookout Masuku
- Herbert Sylvester Masiyiwa Ushewokunze
- Moven Mahachi
- Ernest R. Kadungure
- Sydney Donald Malunga
- Joseph Culverwell
- General Solomon Rex Nhongo Mutusva- Mujuru
- Brig. General John Zingoni
- Josiah Tungamirai
- Brigadier General Charles Tigwe Gumbo
- Zororo Duri
- Christopher Machingura Ushewokunze
- Sikwili Kohli Moyo
- Vitalis Zvinavashe
- Chenjerai Hunzvi
- Border Gezi
- Robson Manyika
- Josiah Mushore Chinamano
- Swithun Mombeshora
- Maurice Nyagumbo
- Bernard Chidzero
- Ambassador Lloyd Gundu
- Elliot Manyika
- David Ishemunyoro Karimanzira
- Livingstone Mernard Negidi Muzariri
- Brig. Gen. Armstrong Gunda
- Misheck "Makasha" Chando
- Guy Clutton-Brock
- John Landa Nkomo
- Herbert Mahlaba
- Lt. Gen. Amoth Chingombe
- Edson Ncube
- Elias Kanengoni
- Nathan Shamuyarira
- Kantibhai Gordanbhai
- George Lifa (Maj.Gen)
- Cornelius Nhloko
- Lieutenant Colonel Harold Chirenda
- Mike Karakadzai
- Kumbirai Kangai
- Enos Nkala
- Solomon Chirume Tawengwa
- George Bodzo Nyandoro
- Joseph Msika
- Witness Mangwende
- Gary Settled Tamayi Hlomayi Magadzire
- Vivian Mwashita
- Victoria Chitepo
- Charles Utete
- Cephas G. Msipa
- Peter Chanetsa
- Shuvai Mahofa
- Stanley Gagisa Nleya
- Major General Trust Mugoba
- Sibusiso Moyo
- Perence Shiri
- Douglas Nyikayaramba
- Biggie Joel Matiza
- Kantibhai Patel[8]
- Colonel Kenny “Ridzai” Constantine Mabuya
References
- ^ "National Heroes Acre losing significance?". The Financial Gazette. October 8, 2010. Archived from the original on March 21, 2012. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
- ^ "Mugabe says National Heroes Acre is solely for Zanu PF members". Zimbabwe Metro. October 1, 2010. Archived from the original on June 26, 2011. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
- ^ a b "Things you didn't know about the Heroes' Acre in Harare". Zimbabwe Metro. Archived from the original on June 26, 2011. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
- ^ Farai, Christopher (August 22, 2011). "Heroes Acre: bastionof patriotism, tourist attraction". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
- ^ Kirkwood, Meghan L. E. (2013). "Postindependence Architecture through North Korean Modes: Namibian Commissions of the Mansudae Overseas Project". A companion to Modern African Art. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley Blackwell. ISBN 9781444338379.
- ^ a b Hall, Nick (December 9, 2022). "Empty lots and baboon feces: North Korea's monuments in Namibia — in photos". NK News. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
- ^ a b "Heroes Acre: Bastion of patriotism, tourist attraction".
- ^ "Liberation Heroes/Heroines | National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe". www.nmmz.co.zw. Retrieved 2023-11-29.
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This page was last edited on 29 May 2024, at 11:48