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Walter Nyamukondiwa and Fungai Lupande
Thousands of people in Mashonaland West Province yesterday joined the rest of the country in commemorating Defence Forces Day at Chinhoyi Stadium, which was characterised by pomp and funfair.
People started trickling into Chinhoyi Stadium as early as 0800hrs ahead of official proceedings, which started around 1000hrs.
Guest of honour Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi arrived at the stadium amid wailing of sirens and applause from the crowd.
He inspected a parade mounted by the Zimbabwe National Army and the Air Force of Zimbabwe before the national anthem was played by the army band.
Minister Ziyambi read the President’s speech before mock bayonet combat and popeye drills by officers from 2-3 Infantry Battalion opened the entertainment segment of the day.
People in attendance were kept on their feet by the comic drills.
Those interviewed hailed the defence forces for helping maintain peace and the country’s territorial integrity.
“We feel secure in our land because of the defence forces that have ensured 38 years of peace, which is a marvel across the whole world,” said John Kasema of Chikonohono suburb in Chinhoyi.
Children expressed happiness with the opportunity to see soldiers at close range and to see the mock combat drills live.
“We are growing up and these events give us an opportunity to learn, which helps us when writing compositions at school,” said 13-year-old Takudzwa Dzara.
Women hailed the inclusion of women in the defence forces as key in inspiring other women to join the force.
“It gives great pleasure to see that women are finding space among their male counterparts to also help defending the country,” said one elderly woman.
People were later treated to netball and football matches pitting Zimbabwe Republic Police and AFZ teams.
The AFZ beat ZRP team 2-1 to lift the Defence Forces provincial trophy, while in Netball, ZRP won 35-32 against AFZ women’s team.
In Mashonaland Central, the defence forces celebrations were held to a packed Chipadze Stadium.
The programme started around 1300hrs, with Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs Advocate Martin Dinha leading the proceedings.
Adv Dinha was accompanied by his wife.
He inspected a parade mounted by headquarters artillery brigade and read the President’s speech.
Various dancing groups provided entertainment.
Service chiefs, chairman of a commission running Bindura Municipality Mr Graciano Manyurureni were among the delegates.
Online Reporter