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By Lloyd Gumbo and Costa Mano (Pictures by John Manzongo and Beauty Muchakazi)
1319: Other dignitaries are also leaving the NSS and with that we end our updates
1317: President Mugabe and First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe is now leaving the NSS.
1312: While Jah Prayzah belts his hit Tsviriyo, the crowd has an acrobatics side show to watch.
1258: Jah Prayzah is back on stage and is really rocking this place.
1238: Paratroopers are now descending onto the National Sports Stadium pitch.
1227: Jah Prayzah is now entertaining the crowd.
1206: The President thanks those gathered and ends his speech. The National Anthem is played.
1203: He commends the Defence Forces for remaining resolute for discharging their constitutional mandate. President Mugabe says the Defence Forces cherish the support from communities and individuals and as the Commander in Chief he wants to see such cooperation continuing.
1157: He applauds the Defence Forces for their community work which includes the construction of a clinic at Chingwizi, an Early Child Development centre at Nyadiri as well as four classrooms at Chakari among other programmes.
1153: The President speaks on how Pakistan assisted Zimbabwe during the liberation war as well as current cooperation programmes. He says since 1980 the Defence Forces have grown into a reputable armed force. He says they are instrumental in our socio-economic development by guaranteeing us peace and stability.
1151: The Zimbabwe Defence Forces were formed by the integration of warring parties with ZIPRA and ZANLA on one side and the Rhodesian forces on the other..this was a difficult exercise that needed tact.
1147: President Mugabe is now on the podium.
1146: Dr Sekeramayi says the Defence Forces would not have achieved the great milestones they have achieved over the years if it were not for the visionary leadership of President Mugabe. He narrates the community assistance projects undertaken by the Defence Forces which include a clinic in Buhera constructed by the Defence Forces.
He invites the President to deliver his keynote address.
1139: Minister of Defence and Master of Ceremony Dr Sydney Sekeramayi is now on the podium.
1131: Chaplain General Colonel Joseph Nyakudya is now delivering a sermon.
1114: The parade is now marching in formation.
1049: President Mugabe is now inspecting the Zimbabwe Defence Forces parade.
1043: The National Anthem is played.
1041: President Mugabe’s motorcade arrives and beamed on the giant screen inside the stadium to rapturous applause from people as First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe enters the stadium accompanied by their son Bellarmine.
1036: Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko, Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku and National Assembly Speaker Advocate Jacob Mudenda have also arrived.
1031: Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa and wife Auxillia have arrived
1029: Senior service chiefs led by Zimbabwe Defence Forces commander Dr Constantine Chiwenga arrive at the National Sports Stadium to rapturous applause.
1005: Some of the Ministers who are already here include Cde Saviour Kasukuwere, Dr Ignatius Chombo and Cde Josiah Hungwe. Also here are Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda and Civil Service Commission chairperson Mariyawanda Nzuwah.
0954: Alick Macheso is currently entertaining the early birds here with his guitar skills. He is pelting some popular song such as Shedia.
0953: Scores of people are already queuing at the National Sports Stadium as Zimbabweans from all walks of life are attending the main Defence Forces Day celebrations.
Online Reporter