Source: All set for 46th Defence Forces Day – herald
Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Politics Hub
PREPARATIONS for the 46th Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day commemorations to be held next Tuesday are on course, with all arrangements now in place, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has said.
President Mnangagwa is expected to lead proceedings as the guest of honour and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
In an interview yesterday, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri encouraged members of the defence forces and the public to remain united in defending the country’s peace, security and territorial integrity under the philosophy, “Nyika inodzivirirwa nevene vayo”.
“The main commemorations will be held at Rufaro Stadium where President Mnangagwa will be the guest of honour,” she said.
“Celebratory events will also be held across all the country’s 10 provinces and will be presided over by the Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution.”
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri called on the public to attend the commemorations in large numbers, saying an exciting programme had been lined up for the day.
The celebrations will feature military parades, displays by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and performances by civilian artistes, while stringent security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of those in attendance.
“We look forward to exciting and memorable commemorations. The major highlight of the commemorations will be the speech by President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde Dr Mnangagwa”.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the ZDF would showcase their capabilities through military drills and ceremonial displays that reflect their preparedness and professionalism.
In addition to the military activities, there will be a soccer match at Rufaro Stadium between the ZDF select and the Namibian Defence Forces Team, as part of the afternoon programme.
The minister said the commemorations build on the annual Zimbabwe Defence Forces Community Assistance Week, which runs from August 3 to 7 and forms part of the military’s contribution to national development.
Under the programme, the defence forces have been handing over completed community projects, including schools and other public infrastructure, in all the country’s 10 provinces.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said beyond its traditional security role, the ZDF continues to contribute significantly to national development through various socio-economic programmes.
“They also support national development through disaster response, infrastructure projects, healthcare, and peacekeeping,” she said.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the ZDF have played a critical role in disaster management, landmine clearance, infrastructure development and humanitarian support, helping improve the lives of communities.
She paid tribute to serving and retired members of the ZDF, as well as their families, for their dedication and sacrifices in service of the nation.
“Professionalism is reinforced through continuous training, military education, and strict adherence to the regulatory framework.
“International cooperation also helps maintain high professional standards as it enables us to exchange notes on pertinent issues,” Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said.
Meanwhile, the ZDF is strengthening its capacity to respond to emerging threats such as cybercrime, terrorism, organised crime and climate-related disasters.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said her ministry was investing in specialised training, modern technologies and regional co-operation initiatives to ensure the ZDF remain prepared to tackle evolving security challenges while safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and supporting national development.
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