{"id":8133,"date":"2025-08-13T09:03:48","date_gmt":"2025-08-13T09:03:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/zimgbcnews.co.zw\/?p=8133"},"modified":"2025-08-13T09:03:49","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T09:03:49","slug":"zimbabwe-marks-45th-defence-forces-day-with-patriotic-celebration-and-anti-drug-message-to-youth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/zimgbcnews.co.zw\/?p=8133","title":{"rendered":"Zimbabwe Marks 45th Defence Forces Day with Patriotic Celebration and Anti-Drug Message to Youth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><br><strong>By <\/strong>Sithembinkosi L Jiyane<br><br>\u200eZimbabwe marked the 45th Defence Forces Day with a vibrant and patriotic celebration at White City Stadium in Bulawayo.<br>\u200e<br>\u200e Thousands of citizens, government officials, military personnel, and young people gathered to honour the bravery, discipline, and dedication of the men and women serving in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF).<br>\u200e<br>\u200eWhile the main focus was on saluting the armed forces, the event also delivered a strong message to young Zimbabweans about the dangers of drug and substance abuse.<br>\u200e<br>\u200e Youths were urged to choose a path of discipline and purpose by rejecting drugs and instead considering service in the army as a way to contribute meaningfully to national development.<br>\u200e<br>\u200eAddressing the crowd, Inspector Msebele stressed that Defence Forces Day should not only be about military pride but also about guiding young people toward better choices.<br>\u200e<br>\u200e&#8221;Drug and substance abuse is destroying lives, fuelling crime, and threatening the future of our youth,&#8221; she said<br>\u200e<br>\u200e&#8221;We urge the young generation to learn from the discipline and patriotism of our Defence Forces and consider joining the military to serve their nation.&#8221;<br>\u200e<br>\u200eThe commemorations included military drills, precision parades, and entertainment from the ZDF bands, blending celebration with civic responsibility.<br>\u200e<br>\u200e The event reflected on the sacrifices made by Zimbabwe\u2019s defence personnel and served as a reminder of their continued importance in safeguarding the nation.<br>\u200e<br>\u200eInspector Msebele also warned that anyone involved in drug and substance abuse will face the full force of the law.<br>\u200e<br>\u200e&#8221;As long as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) works together with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) and the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), I will not hesitate to arrest those taking drugs, emphasizing the state\u2019s commitment to eradicating drug abuse in communities&#8221;.<br>\u200e<br>\u200eThe 45th Defence Forces Day celebrations in Zimbabwe served as a proud tribute to the nation&#8217;s armed forces while also addressing a critical social issue affecting the youth.<br>\u200e<br>\u200e By promoting patriotism, discipline, and civic responsibility, the event aimed to inspire young Zimbabweans to make positive choices and contribute to the country&#8217;s development.<br>\u200e<br>\u200eFollow Zim GBC News for Updates<br>\u200e\ud83d\udcf1 WhatsApp\/Hotline: +263 773 820 323<br>\u200e\ud83c\udf10 Website: www.zimgbcnews.co.zw<br>\u200e\ud83d\udcd8 Facebook: Zim GBC News<br>\u200e\ud83d\udc26 X (Twitter): @ZimGBCNews<br>\u200e\ud83d\udcf8 Instagram: @ZimGBCNews<br>\u200e\u25b6\ufe0f YouTube: Zim GBC News<br>\u200e<br>\u200e<strong>ZimGBCNews | Global News On An African Perspective\u00a92025<br>\u200e<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Sithembinkosi L Jiyane \u200eZimbabwe marked the 45th Defence Forces Day with a vibrant and patriotic celebration at White City Stadium in Bulawayo.\u200e\u200e Thousands of citizens, government officials, military personnel,&hellip; 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