Online Reporter
Zimpapers Writers
THOUSANDS of Zimbabweans yesterday thronged stadia across the country to commemorate the 46th Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Day, with colourful military displays providing a glimpse into the country’s defence capabilities while highlighting the military’s contribution to national development.
The commemorations, held under the theme “ZDF Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030,” provided an opportunity for Zimbabweans to honour the role of the armed forces in safeguarding national peace and stability while reflecting on their contribution to socio-economic development.
In Bulawayo, thousands of residents gathered at White City Stadium to join the rest of the country in marking the national event, which featured military parades, cultural performances and displays of military precision.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, who was guest of honour, inspected the guard of honour mounted by members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces before delivering President Mnangagwa’s speech.
Families, veterans, young people and other members of the public braved the cold weather to witness the celebrations, with scores of people already at the stadium by 8AM. Among those in attendance were Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube, Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Raj Modi, Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial chairman Cde Jabulani Sibanda, Bulawayo deputy mayor Councillor Edwin Ndlovu and service chiefs.
Proceedings began with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by the inspection of the guard of honour mounted by members of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) One Infantry Brigade.
The military displays were complemented by cultural performances, creating a spectacle for the crowds while demonstrating the discipline, coordination and preparedness of the country’s defence forces.
Beyond the ceremonial displays, the commemorations provided an opportunity to reflect on the wider role of the ZDF in national development, including support for communities and Government programmes, while reinforcing national unity and patriotism.
In Matabeleland South, scores of residents gathered at Phelandaba Stadium in Gwanda for the provincial celebrations.
The proceedings began with members of the ZDF marching through the provincial capital towards the stadium to mark the start of the day’s programme.
Service chiefs arrived as senior Government officials and invited guests took their seats, before Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Albert Nguluvhe who was the guest of honour, arrived at about 11.15AM.
Minister Nguluvhe inspected the parade, which comprised four detachments of 27 members each, backed by the ZNA School of Music and military band.
The troops captivated the crowd with their marching drills before parading past the saluting dais in slow and quick time.
Minister Nguluvhe later delivered President Mnangagwa’s speech, highlighting the importance of peace and stability in supporting national development.
The celebrations also recognised the contribution of people who supported the liberation struggle, with Minister Nguluvhe conferring medals on 20 non-combatant cadres and war collaborators.
A total of 200 cadres from Matabeleland South have been honoured.
Service chiefs, heads of Government departments, civil servants, legislators and residents attended the celebrations, which were punctuated by performances from the ZNA military band.
In Matabeleland North, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo led the commemorations at Somhlolo Stadium in Lupane, where hundreds of people gathered to witness the colourful proceedings.
The event brought together residents, traditional leaders, Government officials, service chiefs, veterans and other stakeholders.
Minister Moyo delivered President Mnangagwa’s speech, while military displays and performances and local musical groups provided entertainment.
The celebrations also offered an opportunity for communities to reflect on the role of the defence forces in maintaining peace and creating an environment conducive for national development.
In the Midlands Province, scores of people gathered at Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe for the provincial ZDF Day celebrations presided over by Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Owen Ncube.
Minister Ncube inspected the guard of honour mounted by members of the ZDF before delivering the President’s speech.
The event was attended by heads of Government departments, service chiefs, Zanu-PF leaders, traditional leaders and members of the public.
The crowd was entertained by various groups, including the popular Mbada Traditional Dance Group, an acclaimed military traditional dance outfit from the ZNA’s 5 Infantry Brigade.
The celebrations came against the backdrop of community development initiatives undertaken by the defence forces ahead of the national event.
Last week, the ZDF handed over a new classroom block at Mapfungautsi Secondary School in Gokwe-Mapfungautsi as part of its community assistance programmes.
The initiative is part of efforts by the defence forces to complement Government development programmes and improve access to social infrastructure in communities.
The Midlands celebrations were also part of the Second Republic’s decentralisation drive, which has seen national events being taken to different parts of the country to promote inclusivity and equitable regional development.
This was the second consecutive year that the Midlands provincial celebrations were held outside Gweru, the provincial capital. Last year, the event was held at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane.
The nationwide commemorations reaffirmed the role of the ZDF not only as a guarantor of national peace and security but also as a partner in Zimbabwe’s broader development agenda as the country pursues the attainment of Vision 2030.
