President hails uniformed forces

serve on United Nations observer and peacekeeping missions on several occasions.
Speaking at the 2011 President’s Medal Shoot Competition at Cleveland Rifle Range in Harare yesterday, the Head of State and Government, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, said their discipline and professionalism was a constant source of pride.

“So well have our forces acquitted themselves that, for years, and on several occasions, they have been called upon to serve on missions in Southern Africa and beyond under the United Nations observer and peacekeeping missions,” he said.
On the competition, the President said it was an essential sporting event which is relevant and in line with the forces’ crucial role of maintaining law and order and defending the country’s sovereignty.
“The need for good weapon-handling and the development of marksmanship by uniformed forces are indeed requisite skills exercises essential for the forces that are at all times expected to react promptly and appropriately to any situation demanding their efficient use of weapons.

“Since its inception, the competition has seen an increasing number of non-uniformed participants and, this year, our latest addition to the competition are the participants from the Commander of the Army’s Executive Interactive Initiative.”

He said their participation in the shoot clearly demonstrates the level of confidence and trust invested in the uniformed forces by civilians.
President Mugabe said such events should continue to attract more civilian participants, whose role of the defence of the country’s sovereignty is equally invaluable.
“It is also pleasing to note that the number of female participants in the Medal Shoot Competition is constantly increasing in this competition which used to be exclusively a male domain.

“This is as it should be, a true reflection of positive response to our calls for gender sensitivity and female representation in all activities of our country.
“Women should take the medal shoot competition seriously and match their male counterparts in every aspect of the competition, just as they do in other roles of defending and consolidating our hard won Independence,” he said.

President Mugabe thanked Mbada Holdings and Natec Arms Zimbabwe for donating towards the competition.
Corporal Fredrick Gobo was this year’s champion at arms and walked away with the Independence Trophy and US$2 600 cash. He was followed by Warrant Officer Class 1 Mike Masiya and Major Noel Ncube.
In the female category, Corporal Locadia Chakwakuka scooped the first prize and walked away with the Nehanda Trophy and US$1 100.

Sgt Evelyn Fimba and Sgt Winnet Bhero came second and third respectively.