Harare — At least 103 airforce and army officers have been conferred with medals for their dedication to duty during the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) campaign, and for long service.

Of these, 81 from the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) were yesterday conferred with the first bars to long and exemplary service and the DRC campaign medals by Air Vice Marshal Elson Moyo at Manyame Airbase.

The first bar for the long and exemplary medal was awarded to 14 officers because of their tireless and dedicated service for the past 25 years.

Presenting the medals on behalf of AFZ Commander Air Marshal Perence Shiri who was unavailable as he was at the burial of provincial hero Colonel Lazarus Mangachena in Marondera, AVM Moyo said the officers had shown dedication and loyalty to Zimbabwe.

"The 14 air officers worked tirelessly towards the destruction of colonial architecture and the subsequent reconstruction of an independent Zimbabwe.

"It is without doubt that they have been the foundation of the Air Force of today, having served the organisation for more than 25 years," he said.

"Their invaluable contribution continue to shape the destiny of our elite force. Prior to and after independence, the officers have remained steadfast and loyal to their motherland and have shown dedication and devotion to duty of the highest degree," said AVM Moyo.

The 14 officers are air vice marshals Henry Muchena, Elson Moyo, air commodores Kennedy Zimondi, Sheba Shumbayaonda, Innocent Chiganze, Jasper Marangwanda, Mike Karakadzai, Jacob Nzvede, wing commanders Peter Zimondi, Stanley Goreraza, Darlington Kudyautumbe, Walter Chikukwa, Joyce Murozvi and squadron leader Felix Mungazivei.

Conferring the DRC Campaign Medal to a sample 67 officers, AVM Moyo said the medals were an honour for the Defence Forces' contribution in bringing peace to the DRC. "The DRC campaign proved beyond doubt the expertise and professionalism of the Defence Forces. It established the ZDF as a formidable force within the region and the world at large," he added.

The rest of the airforce's DRC participants will receive their medals from their respective commanders in due course. On Wednesday 22 senior and junior Zimbabwe National Army officers from various infantry units were conferred with the DRC campaign medals at 2 Brigade in Harare.

Conferring the medals, Commander of 2 Brigade Major General Douglas Nyikayaramba said Zimbabwe's reaction and deployment of troops in DRC was under the auspices of Sadc.

"The deployment was like the eruption of a volcano. It was the beginning of a mission code-named 'Operation Sovereignty Legitimacy' that was meant to restore the dignity and sovereignty of the people of DRC who had been invaded," he said.