ZDF hailed for professionalism

THE officers, men and women of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces are disciplined and professional, hence their continued roles in international peacekeeping.

At yesterday’s Presidential Thank You Rally at Murombedzi growth point, Zanu-PF National Chair, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who is the Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister, said the professionalism of the ZDF in last year’s Operation Restore Legacy was exemplary.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa gave the keynote address.

Prior to his speech, Cde Muchunguri-Kashiri said through Operation Restore Legacy, the military had upheld its constitutional duty of protecting Zimbabwe and its citizens.

Cde Muchinhguri-Kashiri also applauded Vice-President Dr Constantino Chiwenga for his role during and after the liberation struggle.

“During the liberation struggle, he led sons and daughters from this area (Mashonaland West) and around Zimbabwe, guiding them,” she said.

“After Independence, he climbed up the ladder until he attained the rank Commander Defence Forces, a post he held until November last year.

“In November last year, after the country had been captured, he resolved to retain the sovereignty of the country in peaceful manner, where there was no bloodshed; the most peaceful takeover by professional and disciplined soldiers.

“Soon after Operation Restore Legacy, countries such as South Africa emulated our peaceful transitional process.”

Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri hailed the people of Mashonaland West for voting resoundingly for Zanu-PF in the July 30, 2018 harmonised elections.

Mashonaland West delivered 18 out of 22 seats in the National Assembly and gave President Mnangagwa 312 958 votes against MDC-Alliance’s Mr Nelson Chamisa’s 217 732.