Heroes Acrer A political battle field

By Shingireai Vambe

Harare- Heroes Acre, a sacred site in Zimbabwe where national heroes are laid to rest, has become embroiled in a heated political controversy. The site, which was once a symbol of national unity and pride, has been transformed into a battleground for the country’s ruling party, ZANU-PF.

The controversy began during the burial of several national heroes, where Vice President Constantino Chiwenga made remarks that were perceived as divisive and partisan. Chiwenga, who is also the Minister of Defense, used the occasion to praise ZANU-PF’s role in the liberation struggle and to criticize individuals close to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for corruption and splashing of ill-gotten wealth to party supporters and artist in Zimbabwe.

“We must never forget the sacrifices made by our heroes,” Chiwenga said during one of the burials. “They fought for our freedom and our independence. And it is only ZANU-PF that has remained true to the ideals of the liberation struggle.”

Chiwenga’s remarks sparked tension with mourners engaging into singing songs in support of him and his leader, Mnangagwa.

But Chiwenga’s remarks were not the only controversy surrounding the Heroes Acre. During the burials, ZANU-PF members and supporters would often break into song, singing partisan songs that praised the ruling party and its leaders. The songs, which were often sung in Shona, would include lyrics such as siyanai naye Chiwenga, makamuvengerei,  and 2030 Mnangagwa while others sang, siyanai naye Mnangagwa munomuvengerei.

the infighting in the governing party has deepen with the war veterans asking Mnagagwa to step down as has has ran a failed state, while pushing to run until 2030, beyond constitutional limit and forego 2028 scheduled elections.

The recent burial of a war veteran and former government official, Tinaye Chigudu Monday afternoon, left the shrine with echoes of chaos and confusion by pink coloured t-shirts, Young Women for ED while other in plain clothes sang in support of Vice President Chiwenga.

Despite the controversy, ZANU-PF has continued to use the Heroes Acre for its own partisan purposes. The party has held several rallies and events at the site, where it has praised its own leaders and criticized the opposition when the liberators went to war to fight for every citizen not political party or individual.

The politicization of the Heroes Acre has been widely condemned by opposition parties, civil society groups, and other critics. They argue that the site should be a symbol of national unity and pride, rather than a battleground for partisan politics.

In a statement, opposition members said that the Heroes Acre should be a “sacred site” where all Zimbabweans can come together to honor their national heroes. “The Heroes Acre should not be used as a platform for partisan politics,” the statement said. “It should be a site where we can all come together to reflect on our shared history and to honor our national heroes.”

The controversy surrounding the Heroes Acre is a reflection of the deep-seated divisions within Zimbabwean society. The country has been plagued by partisan politics and divisions, which have often spilled over into violence and intimidation.

The opposition is not spared in these divisions, as it has shown signs of deep crisis and division than before, during the rein of former Movement for Democratic Change, Morgan Tsvangirai. his desire for change is slowly fading, and current status of the opposition, Tsvangirai must be turning in has grave.