Online Reporter
Defence Forces Day is, in addition to being a ceremonial occasion marked by military parades and displays of discipline, an opportunity for us to reflect on the critical role the Zimbabwe Defence
Forces (ZDF) continue to play in safeguarding national sovereignty, preserving peace and creating the stable environment necessary for economic and social development.
No nation can pursue meaningful development without security. Investors require confidence that their investments are protected, businesses flourish where there is peace, and communities can only thrive when citizens feel safe.
In this regard, the ZDF has remained one of the country’s key institutions, helping to maintain the territorial integrity and constitutional order upon which national progress depends.
Over the years, our country has enjoyed internal peace and stability despite economic challenges and an increasingly complex regional and global security environment.
The professionalism and discipline demonstrated by members of the defence forces have contributed significantly to this stability, allowing economic activity, education, agriculture, mining and infrastructure development to continue without the disruptions experienced in many conflict-affected countries.
The ZDF’s contribution, however, extends well beyond its traditional military mandate. Through engineering units, medical services and other specialised capabilities, the defence forces have participated in the construction of roads, bridges and public infrastructure, while also providing assistance during natural disasters and public emergencies.
Such interventions have demonstrated that modern defence forces are not only protectors of national borders but also valuable partners in national development.
Our military has also earned respect through its participation in regional and continental peace support operations, including in Mozambique, Angola, DRC, Somalia, Kosovo and so on. By contributing personnel to peacekeeping missions under regional and international frameworks, the country has helped promote stability beyond our borders while enhancing the professionalism and experience of the armed forces.
Regional peace ultimately benefits us as a country by fostering trade, investment and stronger economic cooperation within Southern Africa.
As we pursue Vision 2030 and seek to transform ourselves into an upper-middle-income economy, the importance of a secure and predictable operating environment cannot be overstated.
Infrastructure projects, industrial investment, tourism and agricultural production all depend on peace and stability. Security therefore remains an essential ingredient of sustainable economic growth.
Equally important is the continued commitment by the defence forces to professionalism, discipline and respect for the Constitution. Modern armed forces must constantly adapt to evolving security threats, including cybercrime, terrorism, organised transnational crime and climate-related disasters, while maintaining the confidence of the citizens they serve.
Defence Forces Day should therefore be viewed, yes, as a celebration of military achievement, but also as recognition of the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and supporting national development. Their sacrifices, often made away from their families and under demanding conditions, deserve the nation’s appreciation.
As the Commander-in-Chief of the ZDF, President Mnangagwa leads the country to commemorate this important day today; our people should reaffirm their collective commitment to peace, unity and nation-building. A secure nation provides the strongest foundation upon which economic prosperity, social progress and lasting development can be built, and the ZDF will remain an indispensable partner in that national journey.
