The ManicaPost
Brian Muchero
Post Correspondent
SECTION 212 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe states that the function of the Defence Forces is to protect Zimbabwe, its people, its national security and interests and its territorial integrity and to uphold the Constitution.
From its inception in 1981, the Zimbabwe National Army has relentlessly stuck to its mandate to ensure lasting peace in our beloved Zimbabwe.
In addition to ensuring that the country is adequately protected during war and peace times, the ZNA through its various Formations and Units, also helps communities across the country.
As part of that programme, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces undertake a week of community service every year ahead of the Defence Forces Day.
During that week, the ZDF offers free medical services, and also take part in constructing projects like clinics, hospitals, schools, maternity waiting wards and various other social infrastructure that assist communities in need.
3 Infantry Brigade has handed over many construction projects across all the seven districts of Mutare in yester-years.
To achieve this, it uses its 3 Engineers Field Squadron which has civil engineers and artisans of various trades which include, among others, brick layers, plumbers and electricians.
This week, the Brigade handed over a classroom block to Mt Carmel Primary School in Headlands, Makoni District.
The project was sponsored by the School Development Committee (SDC) and the Responsible Authority, Roman Catholic.
The school has an enrolment of 1 363 learners.
Other projects that have been handed over in the past include St Charles Lwanga Primary School in Chimanimani, which was destroyed by Cyclone Idai; the Department of Social Welfare Lowden Lodge Rehabilitation Centre in Mutare which was renovated to accommodate people with disabilities.
In Buhera South, a maternity waiting ward at Chawatama Clinic was handed over to the people in 2021.
The ward came in handy in accommodating expecting mothers who were walking long distances to access ante-natal care.
The Brigade also supports the Zimbabwe Republic Police on border control operations along the Zimbabwe-Mozambique Border.
These operations are designed to curb smuggling of illegal contraband, firearms, explosives and illegal immigrants.
On recruitment, the ZNA recruits from all the provinces, 3 Infantry Brigade services its quota by recruiting from all of the seven districts of Manicaland, namely Mutare, Mutasa, Makoni, Nyanga, Buhera, Chipinge and Chimanimani.
During the recruitment exercise, the organisation considers all genders as enunciated in the Constitution where the State must promote the full participation of women in all spheres of the Zimbabwean society on the basis of equality with men.
Manicaland-based 3 Infantry Brigade joins the communities of Mutare and the nation in celebrating the ZDF’S 43rd anniversary under the theme ‘Brick by Brick, stone upon stone: Zimbabwe Defence Forces, creating a conducive environment for the attainment of vision 2030’’.
