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Minister Sekeramayi

Elita Chikwati Senior Reporter
Defence Minister Dr Sydney Sekeramayi has applauded the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for their efforts in safeguarding the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, a development that has seen them being active players in regional and international peacekeeping missions.

Dr Sekeramayi was speaking yesterday during the 37th Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day commemorations at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.

He said the ZDF had continued to perform well even in the face of detractors and attributed the significant achievements to President Mugabe’s leadership.

“Over the years, we have witnessed the gradual transformation of the ZDF into a respected force both in the region and internationally,” said Dr Sekeramayi. “Their ability to safeguard the country’s hard-won independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national resources in the face of insurmountable pressure from our detractors is no mean achievement.

“The Defence Forces have also been active players in regional and international peacekeeping and peace building obligations where their professional conduct was beyond reproach.”

Dr Sekeramayi said the ZDF had undertaken several projects throughout the country to assist communities.

“The ZDF would not have achieved the significant milestones that they have achieved over the years had it not been for your capable and visionary leadership, as well as unwavering moral and intellectual support,” he said.

“It is heartening to know that your defence forces positively embraced the ideas and objectives of the Infrastructure and Utilities Cluster of Zim-Asset and partnered with various communities in the building of schools, clinics and bridges in a huge departure from the clean-up campaigns of the past.”

Dr Sekeramayi handed over two projects constructed by the ZDF engineers, namely three classroom blocks at Himago Secondary School in Bulilima District and a science laboratory at Dzivarasekwa 2 High School, which was a big boost for its STEM aspirations.

Secretary for Defence Martin Ruswaya also handed over two projects at Manunure High School and Sally Mugabe Primary School in Kwekwe Urban, while the Commander Defence Forces, General Constantino Chiwenga, handed over Chasiyatende Clinic in Chivi.