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Zvamaida Murwira-Senior Reporter
THOUSANDS of people thronged Rufaro Stadium in Mbare high-density suburb of Harare to commemorate the 44th Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day with the venue evoking sentimental memories of Zimbabwe’s historic birth 44 years ago.
It was at Rufaro Stadium at midnight on 18 April 1980 when the Union Jack was lowered and the Zimbabwe flag hoisted, signifying a new political journey where majority rule, the basis upon which the liberation struggle was executed, became real.
And yesterday, a historic crowd, drawn from both the elderly and those born after independence, gathered to commemorate the annual ZDF day which over the recent years had been held at the giant National Sports Stadium.
The 1980 historic memories were evoked yesterday because it was the military wings of the liberation movements, Zanla and Zipra, which executed the liberation struggle that formed the bulk of the ZDF.
As early as seven o’clock in the morning people had started trickling into the stadium.
With the hand of time unfolding, the stadium was too small for the teeming crowds, but still many squeezed in to witness the spectacular displays.
Popular sungura musician Alick Macheso entertained the crowd inside the stadium with his scintillating performance where he belted songs from his old albums and the just launched “Kupa Kuturika”.
Despite the stadium registering a full house around 10am, queues could still be seen outside as more people sought to get in.
With all the dignitaries seated, service chiefs walked in before the arrivals of Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, with the guest of honour and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Mnangagwa accompanied by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, arriving a few minutes later.
The First Family had a standing ovation from the crowd as they walked into the stadium.
There was a flypast by the Air Force of Zimbabwe as the country’s national anthem was being played to mark the official commencement of proceedings.
Thereafter, the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Mnangagwa, inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Zimbabwe National Army and Air Force of Zimbabwe.
Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri then took to the stage to welcome delegates.
In her speech, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the ZDF would continue executing its mandate of protecting Zimbabwe, its people, and national interests in order to ensure Vision 2030 becomes a reality.
“Your Excellency, your defence forces embraced your Vision 2030 of establishing a “prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030”. Our second mandate as enshrined in the Constitution dictates that we support civil Ministries to further their mandates in attaining national development goals, in this case National Development Strategy 1. We will, therefore, continue to contribute to pillars under NDS1. We are inspired by your mantra “Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
She then introduced the guest of honour to deliver his speech.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the ZDF would continue executing its mandate of protecting Zimbabwe, its people, and national interests in order to ensure Vision 2030 becomes a reality.
In his speech, President Mnangagwa noted that the venue of Rufaro Stadium was befitting.
“The choice of Rufaro Stadium invokes sentimental memories. It was at these historic grounds, on the eve of 18 April 1980, when the Union Jack was lowered and the Zimbabwean Flag hoisted. That symbolic act marked the birth of an independent and free Zimbabwe; it ushered us into a journey of yet again charting our own course and destiny.
“It was also in surrounding residential suburbs such as Mbare and Highfield where many of our citizens were brutalised for their resistance and rejection of the racist colonial administration. These neighbourhoods incubated and strengthened the resolve of many sons and daughters of Zimbabwe to wage the protracted liberation struggle for democracy, freedom and Independence,” he said.
After President Mnangagwa delivered his speech, there was entertainment from the ZDF which thrilled the crowd.
One of the major attractions from ZDF was parachute displays with the first parachute to land adorned beautifully with the Zimbabwean flag.
There was also a mock battle where, in that battle, ZDF exchanged gunshots with a group of rebels that had captured a “VIP.” The ZDF prevailed over the rebels to rescue the VIP.
There were military displays from Dzivarasekwa Barracks Primary School Junior Parade whose performance was admired by the crowd.
The event was also attended by the leader of the opposition in Parliament, Senator Sengezo Tshabangu.
In an interview, Sen Tshabangu said ZDF Day was a national event which called upon everyone regardless of one’s political persuasion to attend.
“We could not be where we are today if these forces did not come together, from Zanla and Zipra. They were supported by their family units, Zimbabweans across the divide to defend the sovereignty of this country. These are the fruits of their brave efforts as they eventually won the sovereignty of this country,” said Sen Tshabangu.
Online Reporter
Peter Tanyanyiwa