Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National Army’s (ZNA) Ordinance Corps Competition Week kicked off in Mutare on Sunday, bringing 16 teams from various ZNA formations.
The games are aimed at promoting physical fitness, friendship, and fellowship, while fostering spirit of unity among the participants.
The 36th edition of the games, which is being held at Mutare Boys’ High School and Marymount Teachers’ College, will end on Saturday. The games have drawn participants in football, volleyball, netball as well as indoor games such as pool and chess.
Officiating at the opening of the games, Quartermaster Staff, Brigadier-General Benedict Runodada, said the competitions are of paramount importance as they are in fulfillment of Commander ZNA, Training Directive 2026, which encourages building strong bonds among members through sporting events.
“This gathering is in fulfillment of the Commander ZNA Training directive 2026, as the event is designed to bring fitness, friendship, fair play, fellowship and building espirit de corps’. We have closed our ledgers, left our desks for one purpose, to be together as Ordinance Family. Furthermore, this gathering will give logisticians ample opportunity to interact outside work environment, sharing notes and experiences together once again as a family.
“This occasion is far more than a sporting competition. It is a celebration of unity, excellence and the enduring spirit of companionship that defines the Logistics Corps of the Zimbabwe National Army. For one week, teams from every corner of the country converge not as rivals, but as brothers and sisters in arms, united by a common purpose, to strengthen the bonds that makes us stronger together, test our physical and mental resilience and to honour the values of discipline, team work and fair play that underpin our profession,” he said.
Brigadier-General Runodada also hailed the Manicaland business community for supporting the games, and praised the smooth cooperation as key.
He said the army is open to partner with learning institutions for trainings and research activities.
“We also thank the Mutare leadership, community and the corporate world at large. Mutare has always opened its doors to the Zimbabwe National Army, ,and your continued support strengthens the bond between the military and the communities we serve. To the corporate world of Mutare and Manicaland Province, your logistical support and moral encouragement demonstrate a shared commitment to national development and the welfare of our service members.
“This gala also symbolises the broader partnership between the military and civilian society. The presence of corporate leaders, educational institutions and local communities here today sends a powerful message, that national defence is a shared responsibility and that the welfare our service members is a priority for all Zimbabweans. We call upon the corporate sector to continue investing in programmes that support the holistic development of our soldiers, through sports, education, health and skills development.
“A soldier who is physically fit, mentally sharp and socially grounded is a soldier who serves with greater effectiveness. I call upon educational institutions to strengthen ties with military, offering opportunities for training, research and collaboration that benefit both sectors,” said Brigadier-General Runodada.
