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Samuel Kadungure Mutare Bureau
Vengere Stadium was stretched to the brim as people in Makoni District converged in huge numbers to celebrate Defence Forces Day commemorations yesterday.

People started converging at the venue as early as 8am and by 10am the crowd had already swelled.

But the programme got off to a false start after Makoni District Administrator, Mr Roland Madondo, set aside the prepared Presidential speech to eulogise himself for nearly half an hour, prompting service chiefs present to reprimand him and stop the proceedings briefly.

Mr Madondo’s theatrics, which have become the norm at all State functions he officiates, drew a lot of murmuring as he incoherently talked about his alleged contribution during the war.

Most delegates seated on the VIP podium were visibly irritated by his conduct and could be seen shaking their heads and waving their hands in disapproval.

Mr Madondo, who referred to himself as “a war veteran and son of this district”, was however, left with an egg on the face when, after consulting, one of the security chiefs rushed to the podium to instruct him to revert to the Presidential speech.

Mr Madondo’s theatrics of circumventing protocol to sell his candidature at State occasions recently drew the ire of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Cde Mandi Chimene, who publicly reprimanded him.

Dignitaries gathered for yesterday’s event also had no kind words for Mr Madondo.

“This man is actually belittling the President’s speech by making himself the centre of attraction,” said one of guest from the VIP seats while referring to Mr Madondo.

Apart from Mr Madondo’s boob, it was an entertainment galore as the more than 10 000 attendees were treated to mock battle drills, karate displays, arms and foot drills and bayonet fights by members of the Zimbabwe National Army.

The stadium was left asking for more following a polished performance by youthful local sungura and Zimdancehall artistes, who belted out contemporary hits and well-choreographed dances before the appreciative crowd.

In an interview, the Commanding Officer 32 Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Anderson Chibvongodze, said the day was set to appreciate achievements made in safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

Lt Col Chibvongodze said they started the commemorations with various community assistance programmes in Rusape.

“In Rusape, we started community projects from August 8 to 10 with a clean-up at Rusape General Hospital, Rusape Bus Terminus, Makoni Old People’s Home, Makoni District Heroes’ Acre and Rusape Central Business District (CBD),” he said.

Former deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Senator Shadreck Chipanga said the day was meant to remind Zimbabweans of the journey to the country’s independence.

Sen Chipanga said the freedom the country enjoyed came about through the barrel of the gun and many people lost their lives in the search of independence.

“Zimbabwe is the only country in Southern Africa that really fought and won, the rest of the countries had negotiated settlements and it is important that we meet and remind each other of where we are coming from, where we are going and how,” he said.

“Zimbabwe was born through shedding of blood and as such shall be defended by blood. It shall never be a colony again and we have no any other way and means of reminding people, especially the young generation, of what transpired during the war.”

Mr Mike Kazembe, who officiated at the event, said yesterday’s attendance was historic.

“The attendance today (yesterday) is the best in years, and probably in future we need to increase sitting space to accommodate more people in this stadium,” he said.

“We take this opportunity to thank you for appreciating the role played by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in safeguarding the country.”

Other members of the public who spoke to The Herald said they were cognisant of the importance of the event in appreciating the role of the ZDF in securing peace.