TENS of thousands of Zimbabweans from all walks of life yesterday thronged various venues across the country to commemorate Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Day with the main celebrations held at Rufaro Stadium in Harare.
President Mnangagwa who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the ZDF presided over the main event during which he implored the nation to honour the contributions of the armed forces in defending the country’s territorial integrity while also leading in civil development work.
In Bulawayo, scores of people converged at White City Stadium to commemorate the day. Service chiefs preceded the arrival of the Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube who upon her arrival inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) members.
Minister Ncube read the President’s speech.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube inspects a guard of honour mounted by the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) members.
ZDF also performed scintillating military displays.
In an interview, Bulawayo deputy mayor Councillor Edwin Ndlovu said it was crucial to commemorate ZDF Day in recognition of the role being played by the country’s defence forces in defending the country’s sovereignty and contributing to the development of the nation.
During the ZDF Community Assistance Week, the Ministry of Defence handed over projects that were constructed by the army in collaboration with other stakeholders and communities.
“ZDF Day commemorations are very important as we are celebrating the creation of the ZDF formed 44 years ago. It is there to defend the country, and since we are not at war, the defence forces are involved in a lot of civic work,” said Cllr Ndlovu.
Businessman Mr Kwanele Hlabangana said since the country is experiencing drought, ZDF has chipped in to make a difference.
Zanu PF Politburo member Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube said it is the norm for countries across the world to celebrate their armies, hence Zimbabwe is not an exception.
“Across the world, the military is celebrated for its role in defending and protecting a nation. It is, therefore, important to have this day where they are honoured,” he said.
In Matabeleland North, hundreds of people from across the province braved the scorching sun to attend the ZDF Day provincial celebrations at Somhlolo Stadium in Lupane.
First to arrive among important dignitaries were service chiefs at around 11am followed by the Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo, who was the guest of honour.
The arrival of Minister Moyo marked the beginning of the proceedings with the singing of the national anthem before he inspected a parade mounted by the ZDF members.
Minister Moyo read the President’s speech.
Entertainment was provided by Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Ntabazinduna Training Depot band, Victoria Falls-based isicathamiya group Ubuntu Bomuntu, Lupane-based poet Jonathan ‘Mntakagogo’ Moyo and rhumba group Mlambos.
Also present at the occasion were heads of Government departments, politicians notably Binga North legislator Kuda Munsaka and traditional leaders led by acting Chief Mabhikwa from Lupane.
Informal traders recorded brisk business. Later in the day, there was a soccer match between ZNA and Mpofu FC, and a netball match between Lupane Select and ZNA.
In Matabeleland South, people thronged Phelandaba Stadium in Gwanda to commemorate the day.
The day started with members of the ZDF marching through the streets to the stadium. This was followed by the arrival of the service chiefs. Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu who was the guest of honour, arrived at the venue at 11am, marking the commencement of the main proceedings.
Dr Ndlovu inspected the parade. The military kept the crowds mesmerised as they conducted their marching drills. Thereafter, the parade marched in quick and slow marches across the square before Dr Ndlovu read President Mnangagwa’s speech.
In attendance were service chiefs, heads of Government departments, civil servants, legislators, and residents, among others. The ZNA band and local artists also provided entertainment among them Ufasimba Home of Arts, Nqindi, Zhezhingtonz, and Khoi Khoi. ZRP Football Club later clashed with Super Strikers Football Club.
Thousands of people from across the Midlands province gathered at Mkoba Stadium to celebrate ZDF Day, with families and children in attendance, taking advantage of the school break.
The event featured impressive drills and displays by the uniformed forces, captivating the audience.
Proceedings commenced at 11am with the arrival of Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube.
Members of the ZDF showcased their military prowess as they entertained guests.
Minister Ncube who was the reviewing officer, inspected a military parade followed by the slow and quick march by members of the ZNA and the Air Force of Zimbabwe which mounted three detachments.
Minister Ncube read the President’s speech at around midday.
Cde Chigango, the composer of the song Nzira Dzemasoja, Tapfuma the poet, a police officer from Kwekwe, High Voltage Choir featuring Dumisani Ndlovu, Skido Chikandamina, and Chindunduma Group provided entertainment in the form of poems, music and dance.
In Mashonaland Central, the Defence Forces Day commemorations at Chipadze Stadium were led by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Christopher Magomo.
He inspected a parade mounted by the headquarters artillery brigade before reading the president’s speech.
Two hundred veterans of the liberation struggle were awarded the Zimbabwe Independence Medal for their role in the liberation struggle.
The day was marked by celebrations and entertainment provided by Black Site and Fara Tamba musical bands, while traditional dance groups also captivated the crowd.
In Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo anchored celebrations at Chinhoyi Stadium where thousands gathered to listen to the President’s Speech before enjoying a buffet of entertainment.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo anchored celebrations at Chinhoyi Stadium where thousands gathered to listen to the President’s Speech before enjoying a buffet of entertainment.
They later danced to music from Takesure Chari, Crocodile Band, Jonathan “Mr Chinhoyi” Siasitumuzi and Stumu Boys.
Drum majorettes displays from Nemakonde High School kept people entertained.
A football match pitting the ZDF and ZRP select teams capped the day with winners ZDF select getting medals after their 2-1 win.
In Masvingo, hundreds of people of all ages packed Mucheke Stadium to the rafters to join the rest of the nation in celebrating Defence Forces Day.
Proceedings to mark the important day kicked off with soldiers from the 4 Infantry Brigade marching to Mucheke accompanied by drum majorettes creating a colourful procession that drew hordes of onlookers to the sides.
Service chiefs led by 4 Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier General Cephas Gurira then arrived preceding the arrival of the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira.
The minister then inspected the parade before the crowd was treated to marching in quick and slow time by the parade.
Minister Chadzamira then read the Presidential Speech and handed over Zimbabwe Independence Medals to veterans of the country’s war of independence drawn from Masvingo’s seven districts who were honoured by President Mnangagwa.
In Marondera, Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Aplonia Munzverengwi saluted people from the province for coming out in large numbers to celebrate the Defence Forces Day.
The celebrations were held in Rudhaka stadium and as early as 8am yesterday, the stadium was already packed.
Dr Munzverengwi started the programme by inspecting the guard of honour, which was followed by a slow and quick march by the Zimbabwe National Army.
Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Aplonia Munzverengwi saluted people from the province for coming out in large numbers to celebrate the Defence Forces Day.
Thereafter, Dr Munzverengwi read the President’s speech to the large gathering.
Among the officials were also members of the opposition party CCC who included Marondera Central legislator Caston Matewu.
The crowd received entertainment from several arts groups led by sungura musician Josephat Somanje and the Somanje Stars who kept people on their feet.
The ZPCS band also performed at the event.
