Zambia: The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Ball held on Friday, 22 December 2023, at the Chamba Valley Officers Mess proved to be a grand affair marked by elegance, solidarity and notable speeches.
Many dignitaries attended the event, including Zambia Government Officials, Service Chiefs, Former Service Chiefs, Members of the General Staff, Captains of Industry, Cooperating partners and the media.
As the sun went down to rest, the guests began to arrive one after another with their fair ladies well-dressed in style, the coordinated outfits that complemented their gentlemen. Their turnout reflected the preparedness for the function as well as the attention to detail, showcasing a harmonious blend of fashion and sophistication.
They posed at the various gate entries to freeze the moment, and their smiles were only broken by the shutters of cameras and the flashes of smartphones capturing them.
After the protocols, the function commenced with an inspiring Christmas video message from a distinguished General – First Indigenous ZAF Commander, Lt Gen Peter Zuze – who urged all Zambia Air Force personnel to forge on in true service to the people of Zambia, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.
Then came the Minister of Defence, Ambrose Lufuma MP, who took to the podium to deliver a compelling speech emphasizing the significant role the Zambia Air Force plays in national security and the development of the nation.
Lufuma commended the Zambia Air Force for its role in responding to natural disasters and fostering peace through deployments such as the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) and Operation Tigwirizane Manja, which were in response to Cyclone Freddy in Malawi, among other many scores; echoing the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force, Hakainde Hichilema’s statement that instability in one part of the region is instability everywhere.
The Zambia Air Force Commander, Lt Gen Oscar Msitu Nyoni, followed with an outline of future goals and commitments for the Air Force under the theme ‘Promoting Peace for Regional and National Development’. His exquisite speech resonated with a sense of pride and commitment, inspiring the audience with a vision for the Air Force’s continued excellence.
The presence of good music, coordinated dance, well-rehearsed performances and lively interactions among the Air Force family further heightened the ambience of the event. Service personnel, adorned in their formal attire, mingled with guests, creating an atmosphere of comradeship, unity and celebration.
The Air Force Ball served as an occasion not only for official speeches but also as a platform for members of the Air Force to catch up, strengthen bonds, and celebrate their shared commitment to the nation’s security while networking with the new and the old guests.
As the night unfolded, the guests were treated to a delightful blend of great entertainment, fostering a sense of a shared experience, a fusion of past and present military customs, traditions and life, and shared purpose.
The climax then arrived, and it was a romantic treat where the gentlemen Senior Officers and all the men in the giant and immaculate Chamba Valley Hall happily picked up a bottle of wine of their choice from the backstage, fresh rose flowers and chocolates and walked to their fair ladies and made a surprise presentation thanking them for their sacrifices and unconditional support rendered throughout the year.
The event had just showcased the professionalism, love and friendship within the Zambia Air Force, leaving a lasting impression on all those in attendance. As the function neared its end, guests proudly retired home by numbers, exchanging season greetings, goodbyes and unforgettable memories of the Air Force Ball 2023.
 Ball held on Friday, 22 December 2023, at the Chamba Valley Officers Mess proved to be a grand affair){kind=link}