Zimpapers Logo

Columbus Mabika Herald Reporter
Preparations for this year’s Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) commemorations to be held next Tuesday are now at an advanced stage, with rehearsals for drills already under way.

The commemorations will be held at the 60 000-seater National Sports Stadium in Harare.

Speaking to The Herald yesterday, ZDF public relations Director Colonel Overson Mugwisi said they were almost ready for the big day.

“Preparations for the day are on course and we are ready,” he said. “The main celebrations will be graced by President Mugabe, the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.”

Col Mugwisi said there will be military hardware displays outside the National Sports Stadium which Zimbabweans will have the privilege to view.

He said there will be live performances from musicians — Alick Macheso and Jah Prayzah.

A soccer match pitting a Zimbabwe Defence Forces select team against reigning premier league champions Dynamos will cap the celebrations.

Col Mugwisi said Zimbabweans who cherish the country’s hard-won independence, which came through the gallant fight by some members of the defence forces during the liberation struggle must throng the various centres for the celebrations.

“We urge every Zimbabwean who cherishes our independence and the efforts of our heroes and the defence officers who are safeguarding our independence to come to the National Sports Stadium to commemorate the day,” he said.

“All Zimbabweans from the political divide should attend because this is a national event.

“We have gained a lot over the past years since we attained independence and the day will be useful for celebrating the achievements.”

Col Mugwisi said as a forerunner to the commemorations, the ZDF yesterday began a community assistance week as part of its social responsibility.

“As a precursor to the big day, we have started our community assistance week in Buhera which will include a medical outreach at Garawaziva Clinic,” he said.

Further to that, Col Mugwisi said defence forces technicians will also service computers in schools donated by President Mugabe under the Presidential schools computerisation programme in the district beginning at Murambinda High School.