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• President presents colours to regiments  •. . . force’s loyalty, dedication hailed

Herald Reporters

Hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans from all walks of life yesterday thronged different venues countrywide to celebrate the 36th anniversary of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day, with the main event being held at the National Sports Stadium in Harare. The Zimbabwe Defence Forces were formed just after independence in 1980 through the amalgamation of the victorious revolutionary Zanla and Zipra forces as well as the vanquished Rhodesian Front.Provincial ministers and senior civil servants read the President’s speech in events held in the country’s other nine provinces.

It was a colourful event in Harare at the 60 000-seater National Sports Stadium that was punctuated with entertainment from Mbare Chimurenga Choir, and sungura musician Alick Macheso and parachute jumping from members of the Air Force of Zimbabwe.

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Soccer fans were treated to a match between CAPS United and Zimbabwe Defence Forces Select.

Official proceedings started after the arrival of President Mugabe, First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe and Vice Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko at the venue together with other senior officials at around 10am.

Soon after his arrival, President Mugabe, who is the Commander-in-chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, rode the command rover and inspected the guard of honour in the company of ZDF Commander General Constantino Guvheya Chiwenga.

The inspection was followed by the presentation of colours to various regiments by President Mugabe.

In military terms, the word “colours” is used to describe different flags of various brigades, regiments and independent units.

Traditionally, colours were carried into battlefields for location purposes by soldiers of a particular regiment or unit, but now they constitute symbols of the regiment’s honour and signify its devotion to duty.

The occasion, which was the centre of attraction at the main celebrations at the National Sports Stadium, started with the piling of the flags after which representatives from the Zimbabwe National Army delivered a powerful national prayer in Shona and Ndebele.

The colours were then consecrated and the ceremony was signed off by a flyover by an AFZ Cassa aircraft amid wild cheers from the capacity crowd.

Defence Minister Sydney Sekeramayi said in military circles, colours were important to instil discipline and loyalty.

He gave a brief account of corporate social responsibility works being undertaken by the ZDF in various parts of the country.

Major General Douglas Nyikayaramba said yesterday’s event was an historic one.

“The colours are regarded with great reverence, hence represent the heart and spirit of the formation,” he said.

“These colours are not ordinary flags but are unique significant symbols of honour, which are commissioned and presented by none other than the Head of State and Government and Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces.”

Maj Gen Nyikayamba said the first colours in independent Zimbabwe were presented to the Zimbabwe National Army and the Airforce of Zimbabwe after the attainment of Independence in 1980.

He said the second conferment of colours was on 0ctober 30, 1981 to the commando battalion and the third was during the fifth anniversary of the Force in 1986.

Said Maj Gen Nyikayaramba: “The newly formed brigades, with units under their command and other independent units could not be conferred their respective colours due to some pressing operational commitments.

“Today, all the formations of the ZNA including units under command and two regiments are paraded before us to receive their colours in style.”

The colours were presented to 1 to 5 Infantry brigades, the Presidential Guards Brigade, Mechanised Infantry Brigade, Artillery Brigade, Harare and Bulawayo districts, Parachute regiment and the Mounted Infantry regiment.

Maj Gen Nyikayaramba said the second phase of the presentation would be held during the commissioning of the parade at the Zimbabwe Military Academy in May next year where one air defence regiment and the major training schools of the Zimbabwe National Army would also be presented their colours.

Maj Gen Nyikayaramba added: “Your Excellency, we humbly assure you that by committing these colours to our charge, they will be jealously guarded, revered and that we will be faithful to the spirit and tradition to which they are enshrined both during peace time and in war.”

After the presentation, the parade marched in slow and quick time before Defence Minister Sydney Sekeramayi introduced President Mugabe to deliver his keynote address.

In Chinhoyi, a bumper crowd gathered at Chinhoyi Stadium to mark Defence Forces Day amid pomp and fanfare.

Mashonaland West Minister of State Cde Faber Chidarikire led proceedings by first inspecting a parade and later reading the President’s speech.

People were treated to drill and mock battle displays by the soldiers and the stadium was full by 10 am.

Service chiefs including Group Captain Patrick Temba Moyo from the Air force of Zimbabwe, Lieutenant Colonel Julias Mupa from 2-3 Combat group of the Zimbabwe National Army, Snr Asst Commissioner George Dhenya from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services and police officer commanding Mashonaland West province Snr Asst Commissioner Rangarirayi Mushaurwa attended the celebrations.

More than 15 000 people from all walks of life thronged Sakubva Stadium in Mutare to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

Scores of people started trickling in around 8am before Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Cde Mandi Chimene read President Mugabe’s speech.

The Zimbabwe National Army, Zimbabwe Republic Police and local traditional dance groups such as Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services outfit, Mansa and Chinyauhwera showcased some captivating drills, displays and music as well as energetic dances that left the gathering clamouring for more.

Those interviewed during the commemorations attributed the peace in Zimbabwe to the disciplined, dedicated, hardworking and honest uniformed forces.

“I came here with my whole family to commemorate this special day to us as Zimbabweans. We feel secure with security forces such as these. We believe they will continue to protect us and maintaining peace,” said Mrs Chiba of Chikanga high-density suburb.

Dangamvura – Chikanga National Assembly member, Dr Isau Mupfumi, Manicaland Senator, Sen Judith Mawire, Provincial Administrator Fungai Mbetsa and service chiefs were among those who attended the commemorations.

Eastern Region Division One soccer outfits, Buffaloes and Africa Trust wrapped up the fun-filled day with a soccer match.

In Masvingo thousands of people braved the cold weather to pack Mucheke Stadium where a number of entertainment activities were lined up.

Proceedings started after 9 am with the mass parade comprising soldiers from 4 Infantry Brigade accompanied by drum majorettes marching from Chikato Police Station to the stadium.

Service Chiefs led by 4 Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier General Exesbios Tshuma then arrived at Mucheke Stadium just before 11 am with Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Senator Shuvai Mahofa accompanied by Psychomotor Activities Minister Josaya Hungwe arriving later.

Minister Hungwe inspected the parade in place of Sen Mahofa accompanied by Brig Gen Tshuma.

The capacity crowd was then entertained by the parade, which conducted marches in quick and slow time before Sen Mahofa proceeded to read President Mugabe’s speech.

In Bindura some rainy showers did not deter thousands who assembled at Chipadze Stadium to join the nation in celebrating the Defence Forces Day.

Thousands of people braved the chilly weather as Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and MP for Mazowe North Advocate Martin Dinha read the President’s speech.

Deputy Commander Artillery Brigade Colonel Everson Nyamangodo, said the army was there to protect the people and uphold the constitution.

“We are happy with the turnout and the cooperation by the Minister and Government. Our army is fearless, strong and loved by many countries. Let’s continue to defend our borders,” he said.

Gushungo Magamba, Bindura Urban and Chengerai Hunzvi Chimurenga choirs provided entertainment.

Scores of people from Matabeleland South province gathered at Pelandaba Stadium in Gwanda to commemorate this year’s Defence Forces Day.

Rural Development, Preservation and Promotion of Culture and Heritage Minister who is also the Acting Minster of State for Matabeleland South, Abednico Ncube, led the celebrations and read the President’s speech.

The Zimbabwe National Army’s 1-1 Combat group entertained the crowd with colourful displays.

In Bulawayo, thousands gathered at White City stadium to mark the day and were treated to entertainment by the military band and other entertainment groups.

People started gathering at the stadium from as early as 8AM.

Before the official proceedings began, the military band and other music groups kept the crowds, both young and old, on their feet.

Service chiefs arrived at the venue at about 12.45PM before the arrival of the Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs, Cde Nomthandazo Moyo about 10 minutes later.

Cde Moyo read President Mugabe’s speech.

In Matabeleland North, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Cde Can Mathema, inspected the guard of honour and read the President’s speech at Somhlolo Stadium in Lupane. In attendance were service chiefs as well as the Deputy Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Cde Thokozile Mathuthu, Bubi senator Madeline Bhebhe among others.

In the Midlands province, all roads led to Mkoba Stadium. Provincial Administrator Mrs Cecilia Chitiyo represented Midlands Minister of State Cde Jason Machaya who is recuperatingfroma horrific accident.

Mrs Chitiyo was accompanied by Commandant Zimbabwe Military Academy Colonel Steven Gwekwerere, Thornhill Airbase Commander Group Captain Ellisha Masakadza, 5 Infantry Brigade Colonel Svitswa and Prisons and Correctional Services Officer Commanding Midlands and Masvingo Provinces Senior Assistant Commissioner Celesina Mupfarinya.

The army among others provided the entertainment.