Sibanda calls on army to remain loyal

remain loyal in the face of challenges brought about by the illegal sanctions imposed on the country by the West.
Speaking at the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Parachute Regiment at the regiment’s headquarters at the weekend, Lt Gen Sibanda said the illegal embargo was a major impediment to the provision of proper equipment for the servicemen.

“The country faces direct threats from the illegal sanctions that were imposed by the United Kingdom and her Western allies as a result of the successful land reform programme,” he said.
“The illegal sanctions have created challenges in provision of kits and certain equipment for the regiment. This is a threat to Zimbabwe and as special forces, you will be called upon to defend our motherland and loyalty is key in that regard.

“As we defend our motherland against any form of threat, special forces are known to possess a rare kind of loyalty and team work, even when subjected to difficult situations. I raise this point because it is our duty to defend this country. Otherwise we lose the gains of our hard won independence.”
The army commander said members of the force should observe the highest standards of discipline in order to portray the army in good light.

Said Lt Gen Sibanda: “Discipline is the cornerstone and backbone of any military organisation and it becomes even more important when it comes to special forces.
“Paratroopers are renowned for high standards of discipline which will inevitably lead to success. I, therefore, urge you to maintain a high standard of discipline and in order to portray the good image of the regiment, in particular, and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, as a whole, in good light.”

Lt Gen Sibanda toured and laid wreaths at the roll of honour at the Regiment’s Heroes Acre.

The Parachute Regiment was established in 1981. Its members were drawn from the Zanla and Zipra liberation as well as the Rhodesian army. The regiment has taken part in several programmes, among them fighting in Mozambique against the destabilising apartheid forces. It has also served in the Democratic Republic of Congo.