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The Herald, 12 August 1992
THIS year’s Defence Forces Day comes at a time when the Zimbabwe National Army is playing an important role in the peace process within the sub-region.

The last 12 months has seen Zimbabwean defence forces taking part in three important peace processes.

The first time was in Angola where Zimbabwe sent troops who joined the UN peace-keeping forces in that country.

This was the first time that Zimbabwe had been called upon to provide peacekeeping forces by the UN.

Last month, 50 Zimbabwe National Army officers joined the UN peacekeeping force in Somalia and another 500 are expected to go there later to guard UN offices and relief supplies.

Early this month, 10 Zimbabwean soldiers were deployed to Rwanda to join other military observers from Nigeria and Senegal as Rwandans move towards peace.

An important feature of this year’s celebrations will be the announcement by the President of the retirement at the end of this month of the army commander, General Solomon Mujuru and the Airforce Commander, Air Chief Marshal Josiah Tungamirai.

The two are stepping down after serving the army well during the last 12 years.

Both men were promoted on June 1, this year. The army commander, formerly a Lt-General became a full General while the Airforce Commander, formerly Air Marshal, became Air Chief Marshal.

The two promotions created posts in the immediate lower ranks. Subsequently, the Army Chief-of-Staff (Operations), Major-General Vitalis Zvinavashe became Lt-General while Air Vice-Marshal Perrance Shiri is now a full Air Marshal.

LESSONS FOR TODAY

This year’s Defence Forces Day should be dedicated to the country’s military for the important role they play in the peace process within the country and the sub-region.

The Defence Forces Day is  commemorated as the nation mourns the deaths of the country’s second Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri (Retired) who died on July 29 and, ZDF director of public relations Colonel Overson Mugwisi who died on July 31.

Now retired and serving in the Second Republic, Air Chief Marshal Shiri (Rtd) was a Senator and Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement who did much to ensure Zimbabwe’s food security status.

Although Covid-19’s first fatality was publicised, the others have not been known. However, President Mnangagwa and the Government of Zimbabwe told the nation that Cde Shiri who was declared a national hero, had succumbed to Covid-19, and he was buried at the National Heroes Acre, in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines.

Zimbabweans now know that the Covid-19 pandemic can affect any race, gender, age group and status. This should be a cure for stigma and discrimination.

Unity and peace are golden, and a nation that is united prospers. That is why the Zimbabwe Defence Forces joined the United Nations-led peacekeeping missions. Not only were they instilling peace, but they were also learning how to do the same at home.