| Special forces mark anniversaries Monday, November 06, 2006 Herald Reporter Two special forces regiments marked their anniversaries on Friday — the Parachute Regiment, its 26th, and the Commando Regiment, its 25th. Officiating at the Parachute Regiment anniversary, Zimbabwe Defence Forces Chief of Staff Major General Martin Chedondo said the regiment contributed immensely to the peace and stability being enjoyed in Zimbabwe and the Sadc region. The regiment had performed excellently in fighting destabilisation activities. "Most will recall the excellent service rendered by members of this regiment during the dissident campaign and the fight against the destabilisation activities of the South African Defence Forces during the apartheid era," Major Gen Chedondo said. The regiment was involved in battles including crucial combat activities that brought peace and stability to Mozambique and Democratic Republic of Congo where rebels were trying to overthrow democratically elected governments. "The peace and stability that prevails in Mozambique and the entire region is testimony of the immense contribution that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces have made in peace support operations, not only in the Sadc region, but also in other parts of Africa," Major Gen Chedondo said. The Commander of the regiment Lieutenant Colonel Charles Mazaiwana, Government officials and other senior army officers, attended the ceremony held at the Inkomo Barracks near Harare. Officiating at the 25th anniversary of the Commando Regiment in Harare, army director of training, Brigadier General Sibangumuzizi Khumalo, said soldiers must uphold high standards of discipline and shun corruption, theft and unethical practices. Soldiers should seize the opportunity when they are called upon to assist in national programmes such Operation Maguta/Inala and Operation Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle to exhibit the good image of the army through hard work, reliability, honest and integrity. Brig Gen Khumalo said since its birth in 1981, the Commando Regiment had grown from strength to strength as highlighted by its glittering military successes in the army’s previous campaigns. "By virtue of your dedication and commitment to duty, you have transformed the regiment into a highly revered formidable force. It was through your daring exploits during Operation Sovereign Legitimacy that forced the enemy in the Democratic Republic of Congo to the negotiating table," he said. Some of the soldiers who participated in the DRC war were decorated with the DRC campaign medals at the same ceremony. |
ZDF News
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