Masvingo honours armed forces
A CAPACITY crowd, comprising both the young and the old, yesterday packed Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo to the rafters to witness colourful celebrations by members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces as Masvingo joined the rest of the nation in celebrating the Defence Forces Day.
The crowd was treated to a buffet of entertainment by members of 4 Infantry Brigade, with traditional dance groups and karate displays putting the icing on the cake at the festivities.
Displays by drum majorettes added colour to the event that will remain itched in the memories of thousands of those who packed the stadium.
The crowd was kept on its feet by mock battle drills by members of 4 Infantry Brigade while traditional dance performances by the Mutimurefu Prison Band were a marvel to watch.
Proceedings to mark the important day started around 0700hrs, with the parade comprising men and women from various 4 Infantry Brigade battalions accompanied by drum majorettes and the army band marching from Chikato Police Station to the stadium.
The colourful parade attracted hundreds of onlookers who lined up the streets to catch a glimpse.
Service chiefs led by 4 Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier-General Exobious Tshuma arrived at Mucheke around 1000hrs, followed by the guest of honour Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs Senator Josaya Hungwe.
Senator Hungwe then inspected a Guard of Honour accompanied by Brig-Gen Tshuma, before the crowd was treated to marches in quick and slow time by the parade.
The parade then advanced in review order before performing the traditional ritual in Shona.
Senator Hungwe then read President Mnangagwa’s speech before the parade marched off the stage to rousing acclamation from the crowd.
Army mock drills and performances by traditional dance groups were followed by a soccer match pitting army team United Lions against a Masvingo Select team.
The event was graced by top Government and Zanu-PF officials in Masvingo, among them Zanu-PF provincial chair Cde Ezra Chadzamira, the chair of the Commission running Masvingo City Council affairs Cde Goddard Dunira, newly-elected chiefs’ council senator Chief Mazungunye, provincial administrator Mr Fungai Mbetsa and Zanu-PF Central Committee member Cde Clemence Makwarimba.