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George Maponga in Masvingo

Thousands of people today packed Mucheke stadium in Masvingo to the rafters for a fun-filled day as people from all walks of life joined the rest of the nation to mark Defences Forces Day in style.

The day was marked by captivating acts of entertainment as Masvingo province came together to merry make in commemoration of the country’s defence forces that have excelled in ensuring national security within and without Zimbabwe’s borders.

The programmes to mark the important day started with performances from drum majorettes and members from 4 Infantry Brigade marching to Mucheke stadium.

Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira then arrived at the stadium for the festivities and was preceded by service chiefs.

Minister Chadzamira then inspected the parade accompanied by 4 Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier General Ephias Mahachi.

The parade performed drills marching in quick and slow time to the amusement of the crowd after which Minister Chadzamira read the Presidential speech.

The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution then conferred bronze medals to nine non-combatant cadres and war collaborators before the crowd was sent into delirium with a mock battle by a detachment from 4 Infantry Brigade.

Proceedings continued late into the day with a packed Mucheke being treated to a soccer challenge competition.

Some of the people who joined the Defence Forces Day said security forces should be venerated for defending Zimbabwe from external aggression.

Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association chair Cde Tendeukai Chinooneka paid glowing tribute to the country’s defence for defending the country’s territorial integrity with distinction.

“We have to celebrate and rever our defence forces because they have excelled in defending our country from external aggression. Our defence forces have distinguished themselves for their readiness to ward off aggression from those who colonised us yesterday, the neo-imperialists who still lustfully covet our natural resources,” said Cde Chinooneka.

President at the celebrations were service chiefs, Zanu PF Masvingo provincial chairman Cde Robson Mavhenyengwa, Mayor Collern Maboke and others.