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BULAWAYO Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube yesterday paid tribute to members of the country’s defence forces for safeguarding the country’s territory and their involvement in community projects across the country.
Speaking during the Defence Forces Day provincial commemorations at Mzilikazi Barracks, Minister Ncube urged Zimbabweans to reflect on the role of the defence forces in safeguarding the nation.
“Because of Covid-19, we find ourselves gathering in smaller groups in order to fulfil our traditional ways of doing things. As we celebrate the Defence Forces Day, let me also take this opportunity to thank members of the defence forces for making us proud by safeguarding our nation,” she said.
“Our freedom will be endangered if the very people who freed our country decide to stand aside. You need to defend the gains of the liberation struggle. We also commend our security forces for their involvement in community projects across the country by providing manpower.”
In January, a team of Zimbabwe’s security forces comprising members of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) refurbishing the buildings that were destroyed during violent protests in January 2019.
During the destructive protests targeting cities, Bulawayo suffered the most damages.
Businesses in the city lost goods and property worth millions of dollars after violent protesters went on a looting spree and in some cases torched the buildings after looting.
Supermarkets, service stations, butcheries, pharmacies, bottle stores and bars were targeted.
Yesterday’s event was attended by a limited number of people, among them service chiefs, a few senior Government officials and selected ZNA members from the One Infantry Brigade.
The ZNA One Infantry Brigade military brass band entertained the small crowd with scintillating music that captured the mood of the occasion.
However, there were no traditional activities such as military parades and displays.
The event started shortly after 10AM with Minister Ncube inspecting a quarter guard mounted by the ZNA One Infantry Brigade.
However, instead of the minister reading the President’s speech, officials watched the Head of State and Government addressing the nation from State House in Harare through a big screen which was mounted at the venue.
Under normal circumstances, huge crowds would throng various stadia around the country to celebrate the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day.
Commander ZNA One Infantry Brigade, Brigadier-General Joseph Kutumba said this year’s celebrations were different from previous years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are hosting this year’s Defence Forces Day in a very unique way in the sense that there are no parades here in the province as has always been our traditional norm because of Covid-19 that has bedevilled our nation,” he said.
The year’s celebrations were held under the theme: “Creating an environment that is conducive for the attainment of Vision 2030.”
In Matabeleland South, people gathered at the Provincial Development Committee boardroom in Gwanda to commemorate Defence Forces Day. They followed proceedings of the main celebrations that were held in Harare virtually.
In attendance was Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Cde Abedinico Ncube, service chiefs, heads of Government departments, political leaders among others.
Cde Ncube welcomed and applauded those present for taking the time to gather and celebrate the Defence Forces Day which was of great significance to the nation.
In Matabeleland North proceedings started with Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo inspecting a quarter guard mounted by members of ZNA from 1.2 Infantry Battalion in Hwange.
The proceedings were held at Lupane State University (LSU) campus where delegates followed proceedings from Harare on a television in the campus lecture theatre.
There was no address at the venue and soon after the President’s official address, delegates went for lunch which was provided for everyone who attended.
In attendance were Service Chiefs, Matabeleland North Provincial Development Co-ordinator Mrs Sithandiwe Ncube, Lupane East legislator Mbongeni Dube, heads of various Government departments, Zanu-PF leadership and others.
Online Reporter