Podium at Bulawayo Heroes day celebration sparks ...

Podium at Bulawayo Heroes day celebration sparks online mockery

Zim Now Writer

Zimbabwe’s 45th Heroes Day commemorations have been overshadowed by criticism on social media over a newly constructed podium at the Bulawayo Provincial Heroes Acre. While the national event drew large crowds in Harare, residents in Bulawayo gathered at the local site, where the small, starkly built podium quickly became the focus of online mockery.

The podium, intended as a focal point for speeches and ceremonial proceedings, drew ridicule from many who questioned both its design and the process behind its construction. “Who got the tender?” asked social media user @Masuwo, hinting at concerns over transparency and possible misuse of public funds.

Others were blunter in their assessment. “How do you expect other countries to take you serious if this is your best?” wrote @Moyo Hluphani, criticizing what they saw as a poor reflection of Zimbabwe’s public image.

The sharpest jab came from user @Yknipg, who wrote: “You’re sweating over our free healthcare in SA, while your government builds podiums the size of a step for Grade 1 kids? Stay in your lane please!”

Heroes Day, held annually to honor the country’s liberation war fighters, is one of Zimbabwe’s most significant national holidays. However, this year in Bulawayo, the solemn occasion was partly eclipsed by the public’s disapproval of the stage setup