Commandos celebrate 44th anniversary

Columbus Mabika

Herald Reporter

THE Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA)’s elite forces, the One Zimbabwe Commando Regiment, celebrated its 44th anniversary in Harare yesterday.

Established in 1981 as a successor to the notorious Rhodesian Light Infantry, the regiment is renowned for its capability in high-risk missions and special operations.

Commando soldiers, popularly known as the “Green Berets”, undergo rigorous training designed to hone their skills in combat, stealth and strategic execution.

ZNA Chief of Staff General Staff, Major General Augustine Chipwere, was the guest speaker for the occasion.

He said the anniversary honours the unit’s history while reaffirming its commitment to national security.

“In a world increasingly defined by ambiguity and asymmetrical conflict, the role of Special Forces has never been more critical,” he said.

“Today’s security environment is no longer a traditional battlefield of massed armies, it is characterised by terrorism, transnational organised crime, sophisticated cyber warfare, and conflicts in the ‘Grey Zone’, just below the threshold of conventional war,” he said.

Maj Gen Chipwere added that the One Zimbabwe Commando Regiment stands proudly among elite forces, serving as a strategic solution to challenges that conventional forces often struggle to address.

He then reflected on the regiment’s operational history, highlighting their gallant efforts during the Mozambique campaign, essential for securing critical infrastructure such as pipelines and railways.

Key battles included Derunde, Chadea, Gorongosa, Casa Banana and Mutarara.

Notably, the regiment’s role in breaking the eight-month Ikela siege was recognised as a significant achievement in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“In that operation, you demonstrated the highest professional standards, earning a fearsome reputation as a highly effective fighting force,” Maj-Gen Chipwere said.

He also praised the unit for successfully executing rescue operations during recent floods.

Maj-Gen Chipwere noted that the regiment has focused on training centred around sub-aqua unit tasks to enhance readiness.

Commanding Officer of the Commando Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Fortunate Ncube, reminded troops of their elite status.

He added that such commemorative events are crucial for fostering good relations with communities and stakeholders.