Community celebrates the Zimbabwe Heroes' Day
The Zimbabwean Canterbury Association (ZCA) and New Zealand AIDS Foundation joined hands to celebrate the Zimbabwe Heroes' Day in Christchurch on August 20. There was lots of Zimbabwean food and music, as well as speeches by community leaders and representatives from the African Council. Simon Mutonhori, President of ZCA, informed that the community has been celebrating the Day ever since their Association was formed in 2003.
Joseph Chitongo and his musical band playing traditional Zimbabwean tunes and rhythms on Zimbabwe's traditional musical instruments including Marimba and Mbira
Joseph Chitongo, lead musician of a local Zimbabwean musical band, added, "Over 200 people attended the festivities, with people from other African countries including Nigeria participating as well."
Public holidays in Zimbabwe (source: zim.gov.zw)
Each year, Zimbabweans commemorate the attainment of their independence from Britain on the 18th of April. Celebrations are held nationwide as citizens remember this historic event that took place in 1980. On Heroes’ Day, which is held on the 10th of August, Zimbabweans commemorate the commitment of their sons and daughters to the struggle for Independence, during which thousands perished. The 11th of August is Defence Forces Day, and Zimbabweans celebrate the dedication of the country’s uniformed forces and their commitment to protecting national sovereignty, upholding justice and maintaining law and order. National Unity Day, which is held on the 22nd of December, is a commemoration of nation building in post-independence Zimbabwe.
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