Zimpapers Reporters THE air at Rufaro Stadium hung thick with nostalgia yesterday, as the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) commemorated 45 years of resilience, sacrifice and freedom. The historic ground, where the nation’s first independence celebrations erupted in a sea of joy in 1980, once again pulsed with life – this time, a vivid tapestry of military precision, cultural pride and the echoes of a struggle that refuses to fade. From the moment the sun climbed high over Harare, the stadium thrummed with anticipation. The crowd, a mosaic of young and old, veterans and schoolchildren, filled the stands to bursting, their voices rising in unison as the national anthem soared. Above them, the Air Force sliced through the sky in a diamond formation. Then came the stories, not told in words alone, but in the raw, gripping theatre of mock battles. Actors clad in the garb of colonial soldiers clashed with liberation fighters armed with nothing, but spears, shields and an unbreakable will. The dust kicked up as they re-enacted the struggle, the crowd roaring at every symbolic victory, every defiant stand. The past was no longer a distant memory – it was alive, breathing, etched into the red soil beneath their feet. But this was not just a day of solemn remembrance. It was a celebration – vibrant, loud and unapologetically Zimbabwean. Paratroopers descended from the heavens like human fireworks, their chutes blooming against the blue sky before landing to thunderous applause. Military bands marched in perfect sync, their brass instruments glinting in the sunlight, while dancers swirled in traditional regalia, their movements a living testament to a culture that colonialism could not erase. And then, the music. The timeless liberation anthem “Nzira Dzemasoja” rolled over the crowd like a wave, its familiar chords pulling voices, young and old, into harmony. For a moment, the stadium was no longer just a venue – it was a living archive, a place where history refused to be silent. As President Mnangagwa took the podium, the cheers swelled. His words, like the day itself, balanced pride with purpose – honouring the past, while demanding a future worthy of the sacrifices made. The celebrations were also held in the provinces with Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution presiding over the commemorations. In Mashonaland Central, scores of people from all corners of the province filled Chipadze Stadium to mark the day. From schoolchildren to veterans, the atmosphere was both festive and reflective. Military personnel performed parade drills with precision and flair. Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo presided over the official proceedings. After inspecting a parade, Minister Magomo read the President’s speech. A highlight of the event was the conferring of medals to 29 individuals – war veterans, collaborators, political detainees and non-combatant cadres – who played various roles in the liberation struggle. Among the honourees was the late national hero Shalton Saimon Jura, known in the struggle as Thomas Shungu. His widow, Juliet Kaseke, stood tall, but tearful as she received the medal on his behalf. “This recognition was long overdue, this medal is not just his – it’s ours as a family and as a nation.” The late Jura, who later served as a magistrate, was remembered not just for his bravery during the struggle, but also for his role in rebuilding the nation through justice and public service. In Mashonaland East, thousands gathered at Rudhaka Stadium in Marondera for the celebrations. The celebrations saw people from all walks of life, regardless of political or social standing, converging at the stadium to salute the outstanding work being done by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in maintaining peace and tranquillity not only in Zimbabwe, but even on foreign missions. The event started with the national anthem, which was played as soon as the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, had arrived. Minister Ndudzo also inspected the guard of honour before witnessing officers from the ZDF in slow and quick march. Later, Minister Ndudzo read the 2025 Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day Presidential speech to the large gathering. Various groups performed, giving the attendees some entertainment. In an interview on the sidelines of the celebrations, a youth, Mr Jeremiah Gwanzura, who is also the chairperson of the Marondera Rural District Council, saluted the army for their sterling work. “They not only maintain peace in the country, but are also involved in community development where they partner with various organisations to build schools, clinics and other infrastructure. So today, it is important for the whole nation to salute these selfless sons and daughters of our great nation,” he said. In Masvingo, a capacity crowd filled Mucheke Stadium as the province joined the rest of the country to celebrate the Defence Forces Day in style. It was a fun-filled day for Masvingo residents as a rich menu of entertainment was on the table during the festivities that took place that day. Proceedings to mark the important day started in the morning with members of 4 Infantry Brigade marching to Mucheke, accompanied by the ZNA band, drawing hordes of curious onlookers. A bumper crowd was already at Mucheke by the time service chiefs arrived at the stadium just after 10am. The Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira, then arrived shortly afterwards and inspected the parade mounted by detachments from 4 Infantry Brigade. He was accompanied by commander Brigadier-General Oscar Tshuma. After the parade inspection, the crowd was entertained by the parade’s march in quick and slow time before Minister Chadzamira read the Presidential speech. The minister then conferred independence medals to war veterans, war collaborators and ex-detainees for their contribution to the liberation of Zimbabwe. The crowd was then left spellbound by a mock battle by soldiers that mimicked operations in a real battle situation. Zanu PF Central Committee member Cde Ephraim Gwanongodza, who received an independence medal, thanked President Mnangagwa for remembering all those who sacrificed life and limb to free Zimbabwe. Cde Gwanongodza, who was a war collaborator, hailed the Second Republic for making sure the contributions of those who led from the front during the war of liberation were recognised. “I am happy that I have been honoured today through this medal that was conferred on me by the President through the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution. This also keeps alive the memory of all those who partook in the war of independence while also inspiring the present generation to sacrifice for their motherland.’’ Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service Commissioner Mr Sternly Kondongwe said the Defence Forces Day was special as it allowed the nation to celebrate the outstanding work by the country’s defence forces that support the Government’s Vision 2030 thrust. Commissioner Kondongwe said the country’s Defence Forces should be applauded for leading the way in the construction of schools and clinics, which contributed to the improvement of the welfare of the majority. The celebrations continued until the end of the day with a soccer match pitting Masvingo United and an army select at Mucheke Stadium. In Bulawayo, long queues of people being ushered in at White City Stadium were seen as early as 8am, while others were already seated on the terraces. Teams drawn from different segments of the uniformed forces, alongside drum majorettes, marched from West Commonage to the main venue. Ahead of the arrival of the guest of honour, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, spectators, who included Bulawayo City Councillors led by Deputy Mayor Clr Edwin Ndlovu, legislators and Zanu-PF leaders, witnessed the arrival of members of the Joint Operations Command led by Bulawayo District Commander, Brigadier-General Cephas Gurira. Minister Ncube later inspected the parade, which was mounted by the Zimbabwe National Army who did slow and quick marches before doing military displays, which kept the crowd off their seats. Before reading the Presidential speech, Minister Ncube presented Independence medals to 10 of the 200 recipients who were chosen from four different categories. Among the recipients were Cde Vitaison Mpofu, Cde Loveletta Nkiwane, Cde Juliet Sibanda and Cde Richard Khehla, who received war veterans medals. Cde Sidumo Nkomo and Lennie Ndlovu were honoured as ex-political prisoners, detainees and restrictees while Cde Getrude Ndlovu and Tedious Msasa were given medals as non-combatants, an honour given to those who underwent military training, but did not take part in actual battle. Cde Tabitha Mguni and Cde Isaac Dakamela were honoured as war collaborators. After the Presidential speech, various entertainment groups kept the celebrations alive ahead of the departure of the guest of honour and other dignitaries for lunch, while everyone at the venue was served a packed lunch. This year’s celebrations were held under the theme: “Zimbabwe Defence Forces: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030”. In the Midlands, scores of people thronged Mkoba Stadium in Gweru, led by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Owen Ncube, as the guest of honour, who also read the President’s speech. Similarly, Ncube inspected the guard, which was followed by a fly past in diamond formation that attracted wild cheers from the members of the public who braved the early morning chilly weather to attend the event. The crowd was entertained by various military drills from four detachments, one of which comprised only female members of the uniformed forces. The crowd was then treated to some poetry from Hodzeko Arts and music and entertainment from different groups. In separate interviews, members of the public praised the ZDF for their role in maintaining national peace, noting that this year’s Defence Forces Day was particularly special as it was celebrated under a new era brought about by the same forces. In Matabeleland North, hundreds of people from the seven districts gathered at Somhlolo Stadium in Lupane to celebrate the ZDF in a colourful event led by Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Cde Richard Moyo, who was the guest of honour. Notable attendees included Zanu-PF cadres such as Proportional Representation legislator, Cde Mail Nkomo, Lupane East MP Mrs Phathisiwe Ncube-Machangu (Zanu-PF), Lupane West MP Mr Mxolisi Charles Sibanda (CCC), and Matabeleland North Provincial Education Director Mr Jabulani Mpofu. Also present were heads of various Government departments, service chiefs, the Zanu PF leadership, and Regent Chief Zanele Mabhikwa. In the afternoon, a soccer match was played between Lupane State University and a ZDF select team and a netball team pitting local teams. The event’s success was also made possible by Warrant Officer Class Two Khulumani Nkomo from the 12 Infantry Battalion in Hwange and Permanent Sibanda, the Zanu-PF District Coordinating Committee (DCC) chairman for Lupane District, who were the directors of the ceremony. In Matabeleland South, ZDF celebrations began with a march to Phelandaba Stadium in Gwanda District with the uniformed forces keeping the large crowd glued to the stage. Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, also read the President’s speech. He went on to present Independence medals to war veterans, war collaborators and non-combatants in recognition of their sacrifice in liberating the country. A total of 200 veterans of the liberation struggle from the province received medals. Service chiefs, political leaders, civil servants, faith leaders, traditional leaders, residents and schoolchildren attended the event.