River Valley honors families of fallen heroes in Midlands

By Midlands Correspondent

River Valley Group this week honoured families of fallen heroes of the liberation struggle with generous donations in Shurugwi as Zimbabweans across the nation marked Heroes and Defence Forces Day Commemorations on 11 and 12 August 2025 respectively.

It was a moment marked with patriotic fervour as Ambassador Professor Smelly Dube, the company’s Chief Executive Officer led the commemorations in Shurugwi at the District Heroes Acre.

Professor Smelly Dube, donated more than 50 hampers of assorted basic commodities to the families of fallen heroes.

The group also sponsored food, refreshments and t-shirts for delegates, and provided a public address system and other logistical support to ensure the event’s success. More than $10 000 was invested in the eventa

In Gweru over 60 widows of fallen heroes also got support from River Valley to cheer them up.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the ceremony in Shurugwi, Ambassador Prof Dube emphasised the importance of remembering Zimbabwe’s heroes and heroines as prescribed by President Mnangagwa at the national ceremony in Harare.

“Their sacrifices paved the way for our freedom, and it is our duty to honor their legacy by supporting their families and upholding the values they fought for. This is also part of our corporate social responsibility, as we have a housing project and we operate Tebekwe Mine here in Shurugwi District.”

The donation of grocery hampers was not only meant to honour the sacrifices of liberation war fighters, but to provide social support to families as well.

“It is in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa`s Vision 2030 of leaving no one and no place behind,” said Prof Dube.

The event was attended by Shurugwi Members of Parliament (Hon. Joseph Mpasi and Hon. Wilson Mhuri), local government officials, war veterans, Ruling Party leadership, traditional and community members, who expressed gratitude for the River Valley Group’s contributions.

The River Valley Group also donated about 710 litres of petroleum fuel to various government departments, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police (Shurugwi) and other security service sectors for logistical purposes towards the important commemorations of our Heroes and Defence Forces.

The fuel, according to Amb Dube, was to facilitate preparations for the Heroes Day commemorations and maintenance of peace, law, and public safety.

“We also donated fuel to the Police to help facilitate their essential duties, as reliable mobility is key to effective policing. Right now, the nation is facing a scourge of drug and substance abuse, so the police have to be mobile to fight crime.”

The ZRP Shurugwi District received about 450 litres, which was allocated to its various units, such as the Minerals Section (100 litres) and Property Section (100 litres), to aid their operations.

Apart from the fuel and food hampers assistance, the River Valley Group also supplied lunch as well as branded t-shirts and caps to over 60 widows of liberation war fighters who attended the provincial commemorations in Gweru.

Prof Dube expressed gratitude to the government, through the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Owen Ncube for providing the company with the platform to sponsor the celebrations.

She also thanked the Group`s Chairman Eng Dr. Mncedisi Dube and the staff for their role in putting together the support rendered towards the commemorations in Shurugwi and Gweru.

Similar celebrations were held nationwide, with parades, speeches, and cultural performances paying tribute to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle forces.

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