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THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) have been commended for guaranteeing peace and security in the country which is key for socio-economic development.

This comes as the country yesterday commemorated the 42nd ZDF Day under the theme: “Zimbabwe Defence Forces — Creating a Conducive Environment for the Attainment of Vision 2030.”

In Bulawayo residents thronged White City Stadium as they joined the nation in commemorating ZDF Day.

The commemorations kicked off at 11.20AM soon after the arrival of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Bulawayo Judith Ncube who presided over the proceedings.

She started off by inspecting a parade before the troops conducted drills which thrilled members of the public.

Minister Ncube read President Mnangagwa’s speech highlighting the community programmes being rolled out by the military as well as the international missions that have put the country on the world map.

Yesterday’s proceedings marked the return of mass commemorations following the outbreak of Covid-19 which saw Government restricting the programme to mitigate against the spread of Covid-19.

The event was attended by service chiefs, senior civil servants, political leadership and residents.

Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary Mr Paul Nyoni commended the ZDF and said peace is guaranteed in the country.

Bulawayo residents said the ZDF Day was important as it recognises the role of the country’s military in sustaining peace in the country.

Mrs Shylet Dube from Pumula South said through the ZDF, the country enjoys peace which is key for development.

“As parents, we are pleased to be part of the ZDF Day commemorations as we also celebrate our children who are in the force. We also appreciate the President for making sure that this day is commemorated across the country. The defence forces play a significant role in maintaining peace and security in the country,” said Mrs Dube.

“We have seen other countries dealing with violence and wars but nothing of that sort is prevalent in Zimbabwe. We want to thank the military for fulfilling their mandate of ensuring that there is peace and security in the country.”

Another resident Mr Eden Kwetu said ZDF Day is important as it celebrates the defenders of the country’s territorial integrity.

“We are war veterans that brought this country’s independence so these men and women who are in the ZDF are defending what we fought for. We have since retired from the military so the baton is up to them to defend the country’s sovereignty. They are also teaching others how to protect the country which is our heritage,” said Mr Kwetu.

In Matabeleland South province, the commemorations started with a procession led by the army band from Gwanda Prison to Phelandaba Stadium.

The procession was met with cheers from a capacity crowd that had gathered at the stadium by 9AM.

Upon his arrival at around 11AM, Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Abedinico Ncube, inspected the guard of honour mounted by 1.1 Combat comprising 156 soldiers.

The uniformed forces displayed their agility and organisation during a promenade.

They seamlessly followed instructions chanted by their major while their movements were simultaneous to the sound of the beating drum, leaving the crowd much in awe.

Minister Ncube read the President Mnangagwa’s speech.

Those who spoke to Chronicle said the country’s defence forces ensure civilians are well protected.

“These are our children. They’re the ones who protect us. For us to be here today, it was their forefathers who went ahead of them to fight for us and bring us independence. Today, we have an opportunity to watch them as they entertain us but we know that if anything were to happen, they are there to protect us,” said Ms Nosipho Bhebhe.

Among those in attendance were Gwanda Mayor Councillor Njabulo Siziba, service chiefs, traditional leaders, heads of various Government departments and leaders from across the political divide.

Entertainment was provided by the army band, Ben Arinoti Group, Vubachikwe Sounds, Zhezhington and drum majorettes. A soccer match concluded the celebrations.

In Matabeleland North, scores gathered at Somhlolo Stadium in Lupane to follow proceedings as the province also commemorated the Defence Forces Day.

Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo led the proceedings.

People started gathering at the venue as early as 8AM and were kept entertained by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services band and Ndabezinhle, an imbube group from St Luke’s in Lupane.

Service Chiefs comprising Deputy Commander 1 Infrantry Brigade Colonel Msekeli Masuku, Officer Commanding police in Matabeleland North Assistant Commissioner Matembo Nyirenda and Officer-in-Charge Lupane Prison Correctional Services Officer Albert Ndonsa who was representing ZPCS Officer Commanding Matabeleland North Commissioner Moddi Nkomo were first to arrive at the venue before Minister Moyo arrived a few minutes later.

Official proceedings started with singing of the national anthem before Minister Moyo inspected a parade mounted by Zimbabwe National Army 1.2 Infantry Battalion which marched in slow and quick paces past the arena, much to the excitement of the crowd.

After the Minister read the President’s speech, the huge crowd went for lunch at three venues while waiting for netball and soccer matches.

A local team, Elitsheni FC, was expected to play against the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA.)

Also present were local members of Parliament, heads of various Government departments, Lupane Local Board officials and Zanu-PF provincial and district leadership.

In Midlands province, the masses converged at Mkoba Stadium in Gweru to commemorate the Defence Forces Day.
The crowds were entertained with military drills from four detachments, one of which comprised only female members of the uniformed forces.

Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Larry Mavima, who was the guest of honour, arrived at the stadium at 10.55AM followed by the singing of the national anthem to kick-start proceedings.

Minister Mavima inspected the guard of honour, which was followed by a flypast in diamond formation that attracted wild cheers from the crowd.

Minister Mavima took to the podium to deliver the President’s speech.

The Zimbabwe National Army band then led the crowds in singing the national anthem to mark the end to the reading of the President’s speech.