The Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail Reporters
Students from Defence Colleges in Africa and China, yesterday, showcased their traditional dances and cuisines at the 14th annual Zimbabwe Staff College Culture Day celebrations held at Josiah Magama Tongogara Baracks.
The celebrations, which ran under the theme: “The African Royalty – Our heritage” drew participation from 10 countries.
Addressing participants and guests, Zimbabwe National Army chief of staff , Major General David Sigauke said commemorations provided a platform to celebrate diverse cultures.
“It is unfortunate that some of our cultural values have been completely eroded, however, occasions like these give us the opportunity to reflect back to our roots,” he said.
“Let me mention that one of the main reasons why we fought liberation struggles in the region was to restore our cultural values.”
Major General Sigauke applauded African liberation war heroes, whom he described as legends in the fight for self-determination and restoration of indigenous cultures.
He urged members of the defence forces to defend the independence and sovereignty of their various countries.
“Let us, therefore, jealously guard against the re-colonisation of our sovereign states by defending our people and their diverse way of life, our land and our abundant precious resources for the benefit of our future generations,” he said.
Major General Sigauke and other guests had a chance to tour exhibitions stands.
The participating countries were Zambia, Tanzania, South Africa, Mozambique, Nigeria, Malawi, Botswana, Lesotho, China and Zimbabwe.
Several traditional dance groups also performed at the event, with Malawi’s all-female dance group emerging as the winner.
Zimbabwe came second while Zambia was third with China wining the ‘best’ international exhibitor.
The event was also attended by senior defence officers and staff from regional embassies in Zimbabwe.
