Nyore Madzianike Manicaland Bureau
Thousands of people yesterday thronged Sakubva Stadium in Mutare for the 38th Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day commemorations, which were presided over by the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Senator Monica Mutsvangwa.
People started entering the stadium as early as 0900hrs and it was filled to the rafters by midday.
The Zanu-PF provincial leadership, service chiefs, traditional leaders and other Government officials then arrived followed by Sen Mutsvangwa.
Proceedings started with the singing of the national anthem, after which Sen Mutsvangwa inspected the parade before reading the Presidential speech.
The thousands of people attending the event were treated to entertainment from Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services band and army drills.
Various artistes also performed during the commemorations.
Later in the day, people were entertained by a soccer match pitting Buffaloes Juniors versus DRC from Chikanga suburb.
Speaking on the sidelines of the commemorations, Sen Mutsvangwa thanked people of Manicaland for observing peace during the just-ended harmonised elections.
She said it was high time people put the election period behind them and start working towards the country’s development.
“The elections have come and gone,” she said.
“Let us move on; this province needs to move on — this country needs to move on and we cannot remain in the past.”
Various people who spoke to The Herald hailed the army for their peace initiatives and the developmental projects that they are undertaking.
“The army helped to bring sanity to Mutare, especially in the city centre where kombis and pirate taxis had become a menace,” said Mr Tinashe Sithole from Marange.
Mr Munesu Mushati said the army should increase its involvement in community development projects.
“We used to see soldiers helping out in community projects like in clinics,” he said.
“They should be greatly involved in such programmes so that members of the public benefit more.”
Mr Mushati said army involvement in community programmes also helped to increase interaction between ZDF and civilians.
“It does not only help in bringing development, but it also enhances relationships between ordinary people and the army,” he said.