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celebrations were held at the National Sports Stadium in Harare where people converged for the celebrations held under the theme “Zimbabwe Defence Forces; security and stability guarantee for national development.”
The celebrations also saw an emotional encounter for Sungura maestro, Alick Macheso, when he shook hands with President Mugabe.
Macheso was providing entertainment at the celebrations when he was summoned to the dais where
President Mugabe, Vice Presidents Joice Mujuru and John Nkomo, Prime Minister Tsvangirai and his deputies Ms Thokozani Khupe and Professor Arthur Mutambara were seated.
Macheso, who had put a spirited performance in front of the capacity crowd mesmerising the stadium with his “Zora Butter” dance and guitar artistry, marched across the pitch, military style, to shake hands with the leaders who included Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa and ZDF commander General Constantine Chiwenga.
The sungura artiste could not hold back tears as he openly wept in front of journalists trying to get a “sound bite” after the momentous and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet President Mugabe.
Meanwhile, the leaders of political parties in the inclusive Government, diplomats and Zimbabweans from all walks attended the commemorations.
The Global Political Agreement principals led senior officials from their respective parties to commemorate the day for Zimbabwe’s security forces.
Also present were local service chiefs, Zambian Defence Forces officials, Defence attachees from various countries and diplomats accredited to Harare.
President Mugabe received thunderous applause when he entered and left the stadium.
In separate interviews on the sidelines of the celebrations, many people said there was need for all Zimbabweans to respect the ZDF because of its professionalism.
DPM Mutambara said foreigners wanted to interfere with the country’s security sector by calling for reforms. “If we are going to reform our security sector, the motivation should come from us because we can’t allow foreigners to come and do that,” he said.
“These are not just soldiers but are liberators of this country and they should be respected for that. Any changes in the security sector must be by soldiers themselves not foreigners.”
State Security Minister Sydney Sekeramayi said the ZDF was a very professional force as evidenced by several peacekeeping missions the force has been invited to.
“The security sector reform is a scheme by our former oppressors who are not happy that those who commanded us and brought us independence are still in the force,” he said.
“These calls for security sector reforms are nonsensical. We have a professional force. If they were not professional then why are they being invited to take part in peacekeeping missions?” Home Affairs co-Minister Theresa Makone hailed the defence forces for bringing independence.
Minister Makone, who is MDC-T women’s assembly chairperson, said the Defence Forces Day was supposed to be treasured by all Zimbabweans who are free today because of the protracted war.
Zanu-PF spokesperson Cde Rugare Gumbo said ZDF’s professional conduct proved that there was no need for the so-called security sector reforms. He said it was prudent for all Zimbabweans, regardless of political affiliation, to respect the ZDF.
Cde Gumbo hailed the MDC formations for attending the celebrations saying it marked a paradigm shift from what the party used to do.
Chinhoyi
In Mashonaland West, thousands of people gathered at Chinhoyi Stadium where people were entertained by army displays and marches.
Official proceedings began with the singing of the national anthem before Governor and Resident Minister Cde Faber Chidarikire inspected a parade mounted by the Zimbabwe National Army and the Airforce of Zimbabwe.
For a moment people thought the President had arrived unnoticed when Joshua Chiteta recited one of the speeches the President made to rebuke the imperial actions of Tony Blair and George Bush, then British Prime Minister and US President respectively.
The ZNA mock battles, a crowd favourite, however saw many children and adults scurrying for cover during the drills.
Marondera
In Marondera, thousands of people gathered at Rudhaka Stadium for the commemorations. Mashonaland East Provincial Governor and Resident Minister Cde Aeneas Chigwedere read the President’s speech after inspecting a guard of honour.
MDC-T officials, including Mayor Farai Nyandoro, attended the commemorations, but the MDC was again conspicuous by its absence. Entertainment was provided by the Prisons Brass Band, traditional dance by Marondera prisoners, martial arts displays and army drills.
In the afternoon there was a soccer match pitting a Marondera Select side against an army select team.
Masvingo
Thousands of people yesterday thronged Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo to join the rest of the nation in celebrating the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day.
Celebrations started around 9am with a mass parade comprising officers and men from 4 Infantry Brigade accompanied by drum majorettes marching from Chikato Police Station to the stadium.
At the stadium the parade was later on inspected by Masvingo Governor and Resident Minister Titus Maluleke before the parade entertained the crowd by marching in slow and quick motion.
Governor Maluleke then read the President’s speech after which the crowd was again entertained by mock battle drills by a selection of solders.
Later into the day Mutimurefu Prison Traditional Dance and drills kept the crowd on the edges of their seats.
Similar celebrations were held in the other provinces including Mashonaland Central, Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and South Manicaland and the Midlands.
Online Reporter