On the 44th Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day, thousands of people flocked to Rufaro Stadium in the high-density Mbare neighborhood of Harare, bringing back nostalgic memories of Zimbabwe’s momentous founding 44 years ago.
The Union Jack was lowered and the Zimbabwean flag was raised at Rufaro Stadium at midnight on April 18, 1980, marking the start of a new political period in which majority rule—the cornerstone upon which the liberation fight was carried out—became a reality.
And yesterday saw the annual ZDF day, which has been staged at the enormous National Sports Stadium in recent years, be celebrated with a historic gathering of people who were both born after independence and the elderly.
Yesterday brought back memories of 1980 because the majority of the ZDF was founded by the military wings of the liberation movements, Zanla and Zipra, who carried out the independence battle.
People had begun to trickle into the stadium as early as seven in the morning.
The stadium was too small to accommodate the throngs of people as time passed, but many managed to get inside to see the amazing displays.
Alick Macheso, a well-known sungura performer, dazzled the stadium audience with a riveting performance that included hits from both his recently released album “Kupa Kuturika” and previous albums.
Around ten in the morning, the stadium reported a full house, but lines were still visible outside as more people tried to enter.
All of the dignitaries were seated when the service chiefs entered, followed by Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi. A few minutes later, President Mnangagwa, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces, arrived as the guest of honor, escorted by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa.
As the First Family entered the stadium, the audience gave them a standing ovation.
The official start of the event was marked with a flypast by the Zimbabwean Air Force during the playing of the national anthem.
Following that, President Mnangagwa, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces, examined a guard of honor that was escorted by the Zimbabwe National Army and Air Force of Zimbabwe.
Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, the minister of defense, then stood on stage to greet guests.
In order to guarantee that Vision 2030 is realized, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri stated in her statement that the ZDF will keep carrying out its mandate to defend Zimbabwe, its people, and national interests.
“Your Excellency, your defence forces embraced your Vision 2030 of establishing a “prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030”. Our second mandate as enshrined in the Constitution dictates that we support civil Ministries to further their mandates in attaining national development goals, in this case National Development Strategy 1. We will, therefore, continue to contribute to pillars under NDS1. We are inspired by your mantra “Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri
She then gave the honorary visitor a chance to say a few words.
President Mnangagwa mentioned in his speech that Rufaro Stadium was an appropriate location.
The selection of Rufaro Stadium evokes warm emotions. On the evening of April 18, 1980, the Zimbabwean flag was raised and the Union Jack was down at these historic grounds. With that symbolic deed, Zimbabwe became an independent and free nation, and we began the process of once more choosing our own path and fate.
“It was also in surrounding residential suburbs such as Mbare and Highfield where many of our citizens were brutalised for their resistance and rejection of the racist colonial administration. These neighbourhoods incubated and strengthened the resolve of many sons and daughters of Zimbabwe to wage the protracted liberation struggle for democracy, freedom and Independence,” he said.
After President Mnangagwa delivered his speech, there was entertainment from the ZDF which thrilled the crowd.
One of the major attractions from ZDF was parachute displays with the first parachute to land adorned beautifully with the Zimbabwean flag.
There was also a mock battle where, in that battle, ZDF exchanged gunshots with a group of rebels that had captured a “VIP.” The ZDF prevailed over the rebels to rescue the VIP.
There were military displays from Dzivarasekwa Barracks Primary School Junior Parade whose performance was admired by the crowd.
The event was also attended by the leader of the opposition in Parliament, Senator Sengezo Tshabangu.
