ZDF Community Assistance week starts

Talent Chimutambgi

Herald Reporter

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces Community Assistance Week was yesterday launched by Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, with various projects ready to be handed over to their communities.

Annually the ZDF Community Assistance Week, the military embarks on several projects where it assists communities in line with its Constitutional mandate to protect Zimbabwe, its people, national security as well as its territorial integrity and to uphold its Constitution.

ZDF celebrations are preceded by a Community Assistance Week programme, which is primarily anchored on handing over completed corporate social responsibility programmes.

It is also part of the ZDF peacetime mandate to foster development in the country by extending a helping hand to communities.

The 43rd Anniversary of the ZDF Day celebrations are scheduled to take place on Tuesday next week at the National Sports Stadium with celebrations countrywide in the provinces at traditional venues.

Since last year’s celebrations, the Zimbabwe National Army and the Air Force of Zimbabwe have successfully implemented projects which are being handed over this year.

Speaking on Monday during a press briefing to mark the launch of the ZDF Community Assistance Week, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the ZDF remained a cornerstone in embracing national set goals in line with the country’s Vision 2030.

“The ZDF remains a critical stakeholder in the Infrastructural Development Pillar implementing projects under the National Development Strategy 1. By the same token, the ZDF has demonstrated a strong capacity to contribute to the national educational and health development initiatives under Vision 2030, of leaving no one and no place behind,” said Min Muchingiuri-Kashiri.

Min Muchinguri-Kashiri said the ZDF medical team would be on a free medical outreach in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

“We are also proud to announce that the Defence Forces medical personnel in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, will also conduct a free medical outreach programme at Gurungweni Secondary School in Chikombedzi Masvingo Province, Lastly and Idube Clinics in Hwedza, Mashonaland East Province covering general consultation and treatment, including eye treatment,” she said.

Min Muchinguri paid tribute to the ZDF members and staff for successfully carrying out their mandate as outlined in the Constitution.

“Allow me, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, on the eve of the ZDF Day, to acknowledge, recognise and celebrate the sterling and immense contributions of men and women in the ZDF tasked with a constitutional mandate to ensure the prevalence of peace and tranquillity in our country at all times,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.

This year’s preparations for the 43 anniversary of the ZDF were progressing well under unique circumstances as the nation is concurrently grappling with preparations for the 23 August elections.This year’s completed projects included classroom blocks and four refurbished classroom blocks at Gurungweni Secondary School in Chikombedzi District of Masvingo Province, Mbamba Clinic in Tsholotsho District of Matebeleland North, Tongogara Clinic in Shurugwi in Midlands and a classroom block with four classes at Nyavira Secondary School in Nyabira in Mashonaland West.

Minister Muchinguri-Kashirhe, her Permanent Secretary Mr Aaron Daniel Tonde Nhepera, Commander Defence Forces General Philip Valerio Sibanda, commanders and general officers from the services will preside over the handover ceremonies of the completed projects during and after the community assistance week countrywide.

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri underscored the need by Zimbabweans to recognise the sacrifices by the ZDF members in the maintenance of peace.

“I would also urge fellow Zimbabweans to reflect on the courage and determination exhibited by these men and women in uniform as they sacrifice their lives to defend Zimbabwe and contribute to international peace and security in the country,” she said.