PRESIDENT Mugabe inspects a parade in the company of Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantine Guveya Chiwenga during the 31st ZDF Day celebrations at the National Sports Stadium in Harare August 10, 2011., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.
1 250 defence forces officers get medals
August 14, 2013
Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter
Zimbabwe Herald
President Mugabe yesterday conferred 1 250 Zimbabwe Defence Forces officers with medals after they distinguished themselves as principled, loyal and dedicated members since they were attested into the force.The Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the ZDF made the conferment yesterday at the National Sports Stadium during the 33rd ZDF day.
Paraded before the President for conferment yesterday were 20 representatives of a sample of recipients whose medals were in three categories – the Commander of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit, Officer of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit and Member of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit.
This was done in terms of Section 3 (1) of Warrant 1 of 1981 as published under Statutory Instrument 197A of 1981.
Giving the citation, Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa said the officers participated beyond reproach in various assignments.
“Now therefore before Your Excellence, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Head of State and Government and Grandmaster of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit, may it please you to adorn the following,” said Minister Mnangagwa to applause from the crowd as he presented the recipients to the President.
Minister Mnangagwa lauded the recipients for commitment to their work.
“They participated actively, persistently and consistently in the Mozambique and DRC campaigns and their unfailing devotion and commitment to duty greatly contributed in making the Zimbabwe National Army an efficient and renowned organisation that it is today,” said Minister Mnangagwa.
“Their resilience and endurance skills have greatly contributed towards the well-being of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. Despite all the hardships and challenges faced by the organisation, the members persevered and remained resolute in pursuit of the ZDF mandate.”
Those conferred held ranks of Colonel, Group Captain, Lieutenant Colonel, Wing Commander, Major, Squadroom leader, Warrant Officers Class 1 and 2.
Minister Mnangagwa said in addition to their primary role of defending the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security, the ZDF was also carrying their secondary roles with the same zeal and sense of unity of purpose.
“To this end the ZDF runs a vibrant community assistance programme, whose main objective is to assist less privileged communities while at the same time complementing Government’s efforts in the provision of social amenities and alleviation of poverty,” he said.
ZDF, said Minister Mnangagwa, has joined hands with communities in construction and rehabilitation of schools, clinics, roads and bridges among other projects.
Yesterday’s event was also attended by Namibia Defence Forces chief, Lieutenant General Epaphras Ndaitwah.
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