Peace vital for Zim-Asset success

Farai Kuvirimirwa Herald Reporter
Success of the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation depends on the prevailing peace and tranquillity which can only be guaranteed by people’s selfless sacrifices, Air Force of Zimbabwe Commander Air Marshal Perrance Shiri has said.
Air Marshal Shiri was speaking at the 2014 AFZ Commander’s Shooting Competition finals at the Cleveland Rifle Range in Harare on Friday.

Participants at this year’s event themed “Sharpening skills at arms in defence of sovereign Zimbabwe”, were drawn from war veterans, the Zimbabwe National Army, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, the Central Intelligence Organisation, Presidential Guard and Air Force of Zimbabwe.

Among civilian groups which participated in the shooting competition were The Herald, musicians, corporates, Harare City Council and Chitungwiza town council.

Air Marshal Shiri said civilians played a vital role in partnering the country’s uniformed forces in  defending the country’s territorial integrity in the event of an all out war.

“The Government has formulated an economic blueprint, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-economic Transformation, which will guide economic policy for the coming years,” he said.

“For the targets set in each and every one of the clusters, it requires the prevailing peace and tranquillity which can only be guaranteed by our selfless sacrifice and dedication to our country as members of the defence forces and patriotic citizens.”

Air Marshal Shiri encouraged civilians to continue participating in the shooting competition which has become a permanent feature on the AFZ’s annual sports calendar.

“This peace has resulted in the country successfully hosting the 2013 edition of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly in Victoria Falls and the Best Tourism Destination Award,” he said.

Air Marshal Shiri said they were considering rotating the shooting competition in all provinces to enable more civilians to take part.
Sergeant Blessing Kambonga of the Presidential Guard was the overall winner with 214 points and walked away with prize money, a gold medal, a shield, a trophy and a food hamper.

In the female category, Sgt Eulogy Jaya of the Air Force of Zimbabwe emerged the winner and walked away with the same prizes.