Mnangagwa calls communities to work closely with the military

THE Minister of Defence, Emmerson Mnangagwa has called upon communities to work closely with the military in finding solutions to various challenges they face.

Mnangagwa, who is also Senator for Chirumanzu-Zibagwe constituency made the call while handing over two state-of-the-art classroom blocks to Mbizo High School, in Mbizo, Kwekwe on Friday.

The two classroom blocks, worth an estimated $60 000, were built by the Zimbabwe National Army's Five Brigade, as part of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF)' ongoing Community Assistance Programme.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony of the two blocks, Mnangagwa said communities should take advantage of the abundant technical skills that are available within the country's Defence Forces.

"I urge all communities to work cooperatively with the military authorities as they search for solutions to challenges that they face. It is important for you to take advantage of the abundant skills that are available within the forces," he said.

Mnangagwa likened the relationship between communities and the military to that of fish and water.

He said projects, such as the construction of the two classroom blocks at Mbizo High School by members of the military, help reinforce such relationships.

"As we are well aware, the Defence Forces is part of the community and originates from it. Since the military and the community have a relationship akin to that of fish and water, such projects help reinforce this vital relationship," said Mnangagwa.

The Minister of Defence also hailed the ZNA Five Brigade for the construction work they carried out at Mbizo High School which he said complements the vision of President Mugabe on the promotion of education for all by the year 2020.

He said the fulfilment of such a vision required concerted efforts by all stakeholders.

"I want to take this opportunity to clarify the fact that such sterling work is in line with the Zimbabwe Defence Forces constitutional obligation to provide military assistance to civil community and complements the vision of His Excellency, the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, RG Mugabe, on the development of the country and the promotion of education for all by the year 2020," he said.

Mnangagwa said the provision of appropriate infrastructure will go a long way in the development of the country.

He challenged civil society and the business community to join in efforts to acquire science laboratory equipment, Geography materials and learning aids, furniture and material for more classroom blocks at the school.

Mnangagwa pledged to source 10 computers for the school which seeks to have 100 computers before the end of the year.

Speaking at the same function, the chairperson of the Mbizo High School Development Association (SDA) Mr Mehluli Dube expressed gratitude to Mnangagwa and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for their willingness in partnering the school in efforts to improve infrastructure.

Mbizo High School Head, Mr Jim Mpalale also echoed the same sentiments and urged the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to continue with their sterling work in assisting communities with technical expertise.

Also present at the handover ceremony were Commander Defence Forces, General Constantine Chiwenga, Commander Zimbabwe National Army Lieutenant General Phillip Valerio Sibanda, Chiefs Gwesela, Ntabeni, and Samambwa, representatives from the Ministry of Education Sports, Arts and Culture, members of the business community, teachers, parents, and students among other invited guests.

The two classroom blocks that Mnangagwa handed over were the first phase of a three-phased project that ZNA is carrying at the school.