News / National
Lt-Gen Valerio Sibanda’s romantic mission
18 Oct 2015 at 12:00hrs | Views
The Zimbabwe National Army's Mechanised Brigade was unrecognisable as its troops went incognito, camouflaged in roses and firing spurts of romantic prose.
The date was October 10, 2015 and the place Inkomo Barracks, Darwendale.
Their gear for this mission was entirely different from the norm, with the men donning jackets and ties and the women in immaculate apparel.
ZNA Commander Lieutenant-General Phillip Valerio Sibanda gave concise "instructions" and a "drill demonstration" that his charges should remember for a long time to come.
Calm and collected, Lt-Gen Sibanda leaned forward and - using his lips as a compass - gently kissed his wife, Mercy, telling her how much he loved her.
Bull's eye! It was the shot of a true marksman!
And that's how this "military operation" began on Mechanised Brigade's Couples' Day, a happy occasion that showed the softer side of Zimbabwe's military men and women.
Couples' Day brings together Army personnel and their spouses in an environment that helps commanders understand that their troops have lives outside the barracks.
It is tailored to cement bonds between spouses, giving love room to flourish.
Other units of the armed forces hold similar events like ladies' nights and family get-togethers.
Globally, modern military ethics encourage such social gatherings every once in a while.
The October 10 function had it all - the element of surprise and love ballads.
The couples lavished each other with displays of affection; the men serenading their queens with sweet romantic quotes fit for the ears of royalty.
Laughter filled the air. Love lingered.
There were sparkles in many eyes, the kind of sparkles that tell a story - the story of love.
It was a story Lt-Gen Sibanda waxed lyrical on. A voice accustomed to barking orders was softened by a subject evidently close to his heart.
"I love you and thank you for being there all the years that we have been together," he said tenderly to the missus.
And then came the kiss, and a gift followed. Then more words of wisdom.
"If countries can go to war because of failure to communicate and compromise, what more two human beings with different backgrounds?" he queried.
"Marriage is an important institution. It has to be respected by the parties involved. The military adds value to the community, thus, they need to be peaceful, stable and full of love."
Mrs Sibanda, who was guest of honour, added: "Marriage can be likened to houses, which, in their physical state, do not just mushroom, but are consciously built. It takes conscious effort and input to make it happen.
"In the same manner and much more, a good marriage doesn't just happen. It is consciously made. Always remember that action matches declaration. Hence, spouses must always declare their love for each other and match their declarations with positive actions."
The date was October 10, 2015 and the place Inkomo Barracks, Darwendale.
Their gear for this mission was entirely different from the norm, with the men donning jackets and ties and the women in immaculate apparel.
ZNA Commander Lieutenant-General Phillip Valerio Sibanda gave concise "instructions" and a "drill demonstration" that his charges should remember for a long time to come.
Calm and collected, Lt-Gen Sibanda leaned forward and - using his lips as a compass - gently kissed his wife, Mercy, telling her how much he loved her.
Bull's eye! It was the shot of a true marksman!
And that's how this "military operation" began on Mechanised Brigade's Couples' Day, a happy occasion that showed the softer side of Zimbabwe's military men and women.
Couples' Day brings together Army personnel and their spouses in an environment that helps commanders understand that their troops have lives outside the barracks.
It is tailored to cement bonds between spouses, giving love room to flourish.
Other units of the armed forces hold similar events like ladies' nights and family get-togethers.
Globally, modern military ethics encourage such social gatherings every once in a while.
The October 10 function had it all - the element of surprise and love ballads.
The couples lavished each other with displays of affection; the men serenading their queens with sweet romantic quotes fit for the ears of royalty.
Laughter filled the air. Love lingered.
There were sparkles in many eyes, the kind of sparkles that tell a story - the story of love.
It was a story Lt-Gen Sibanda waxed lyrical on. A voice accustomed to barking orders was softened by a subject evidently close to his heart.
"I love you and thank you for being there all the years that we have been together," he said tenderly to the missus.
And then came the kiss, and a gift followed. Then more words of wisdom.
"If countries can go to war because of failure to communicate and compromise, what more two human beings with different backgrounds?" he queried.
"Marriage is an important institution. It has to be respected by the parties involved. The military adds value to the community, thus, they need to be peaceful, stable and full of love."
Mrs Sibanda, who was guest of honour, added: "Marriage can be likened to houses, which, in their physical state, do not just mushroom, but are consciously built. It takes conscious effort and input to make it happen.
"In the same manner and much more, a good marriage doesn't just happen. It is consciously made. Always remember that action matches declaration. Hence, spouses must always declare their love for each other and match their declarations with positive actions."
Source - sundaymail
