Online Reporter
With drills complete, banners raised, and marching boots polished, Zimbabwe today proudly celebrates Defence Forces Day in a spectacular nationwide display of military precision and national pride.
President Mnangagwa will lead the main commemorations at Rufaro Stadium in Harare, while all ten provinces will host their own events, honouring the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) for their vital role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, peace, and territorial integrity.
As the sun rises, soldiers and performers have wrapped up final rehearsals, ensuring today’s parades and displays unfold with seamless coordination and spirit.
This year’s celebrations are themed, “Zimbabwe Defence Forces: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030,” reflecting the nation’s commitment to a brighter future.
Stay tuned as our reporter Harmony Agere, chief photographer Believe Nyakudjara and photographer Wilson Kakurira bring you live updates from Rufaro Stadium.
Our reporters from other centres will also give you updates.
ZDF mounts parade ahead of President Mnangagwa’s arrival
Members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces have mounted a parade in preparation for President Mnangagwa’s arrival.
Upon arrival, the President will inspect the guard of honour.
The venue is already packed as Zimbabweans commemorate Defence Forces Day.
A number of military drills have already been performed to the cheers of the crowd.
Thousands expected at Bulawayo’s White City Stadium for Defence Forces Day
Meanwhile in Bulawayo, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube is today set to preside over the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations at White City Stadium.
The day’s event kicks off with troops marching from West Commonage to White City Stadium, where thousands of Bulawayo residents are expected to throng the venue as they join the defence forces, comprising the Zimbabwe National Army, the Air Force of Zimbabwe, and the entire nation in celebrations.
The event is expected to feature military parades, cultural performances, and other activities, including netball and soccer matches.
Defence Forces Day is celebrated in recognition of the role of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, peace and territorial integrity.
Dignitaries arrive at Rufaro Stadium
Several dignitaries have arrived at Rufaro Stadium to participate in the 45th Zimbabwe Defence Forces commemoration, held under the theme “Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030.”
Among those in attendance are Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, other Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Zanu PF Politburo members, diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe, and legislators, including the leader of the opposition in Parliament, Senator Sengezo Tshabangu.
Service Chiefs and members of the Chiefs Council, led by its leader Chief Mtshane Khumalo, are also present.
The crowd is being entertained by various musical groups.
Midlands Province gathers for Zimbabwe Defence Forces celebrations
In the Midlands Province, people from all walks of life have started trickling into Mkoba Stadium in Gweru for the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) celebrations.
The event is expected to be attended by a range of dignitaries, including heads of government departments, service chiefs, Zanu-PF leaders, and traditional leaders from the Midlands Province.
The Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, is expected to preside over the celebrations.
The Minister is expected to inspect the quarter guard mounted by members of the Zimbabwe National Army and read President Mnangagwa’s speech.
Those who have arrived include the Zanu-PF Midlands Province deputy chairperson, Cde Lewis Matutu and Redcliff town clerk Mr Gilson Chakauya.
The ZDF constructed a classroom block at Mpumelelo Primary School in Gweru as part of the ZDF Community Assistance Week, a precursor to the Defence Forces Day celebrations.
Commemoration follows ZDF Community Assistance Week
Today’s commemoration was preceded by the ZDF Community Assistance Week, which showcased the social contributions made by members of the ZDF, particularly in times of peace.
This initiative includes various social and developmental programs that leave a lasting mark on communities. One of the projects involved the handover of a modern classroom block last week by the ZDF to Warrant Park Six Primary School in Harare, aimed at ending hot-seating at the school.
Despite its military prowess in peacekeeping and conflict resolution in recent years in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique, the ZDF has also contributed to the provision of social services. Its community assistance efforts are anchored in the presence of multi-skilled personnel among its ranks.
Some of the skills within the ZDF include carpentry, bricklaying, motor mechanics, plumbing, and a variety of other social disciplines.
Zambia’s Brigadier General attends Defence Forces commemorations
Zambia’s Brigadier General Daniel Tembo is among the delegates attending the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Day commemorations, underscoring the strong bilateral ties between the two neighbouring countries.
Speaking at the event, Brig Gen Tembo stated he was in Harare to support his counterparts on this special occasion, which celebrates the ZDF’s role in safeguarding national sovereignty and peace.
As part of the festivities, the ZDF select team will host a Zambia Defence Forces select team in the ZDF Cup match.
Zimbabwe and Zambia share deep historical bonds, with relations dating back to the liberation struggle, fostering enduring cooperation across various sectors.
Vice Presidents arrive
Vice Presidents, Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi, have arrived at Rufaro Stadium for the Defence Forces Day commemorations.
President Mnangagwa is expected to arrive soon.
President Mnangagwa and First Lady arrive at Rufaro Stadium
The Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Mnangagwa, and First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa have arrived at Rufaro Stadium for the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations.
The President’s arrival was followed by the singing of the national anthem.
He is expected to inspect the guard of honour shortly.
The President’s arrival marks the beginning of the official programme.
Carnival atmosphere at Rufaro Stadium as ZDF members perform drills
ZDF members are now performing various military drills.
They have completed the march past as President Mnangagwa witnessed the movements from the stand.
The synchronised drills are complemented by the military band.
Loud cheers from the terraces have created a carnival atmosphere here at Rufaro Stadium.
ZDF renews oath to safeguard nation: Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri
Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has stated that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) has reaffirmed its oath to protect the country with dedication, patriotism, and professionalism.
Speaking at the ZDF commemorations, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri emphasised that the ZDF’s commitment is crucial for the attainment of the nation’s socio-economic goals.
She noted that the force remains prepared to confront emerging threats, including cyber terrorism.
Through its community assistance programme, the ZDF has constructed and donated school blocks and clinics at no cost.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri also expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for improving the welfare of its members.
President lauds ZDF for its steadfast role in defending the country’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity
President Mnangagwa today led the nation in celebrating the 45th Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Day at Rufaro Stadium, lauding the military for its steadfast role in defending the country’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The event, held a day after the Heroes Day commemorations, paid tribute to the men and women who have served in the ZDF since its formation in 1980, following the integration of the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) and the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA).
The President saluted the founding members and urged the current generation of officers to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of the liberation struggle.
“Our rich liberation war heritage must embolden you to remain a formidable, dependable, and disciplined force,” he said, highlighting this year’s theme: “Zimbabwe Defence Forces: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030.”
President Mnangagwa challenged the ZDF to expand its capabilities to address emerging threats such as climate change, economic instability, cyber-attacks, pandemics, and terrorism.
He commended the forces’ humanitarian efforts, including disaster response, search and rescue operations during floods, and grain distribution to affected communities.
The Head of State praised the ZDF’s participation in peacekeeping missions under the United Nations, African Union, and SADC in countries including South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic. He also highlighted growing military cooperation with nations such as China, Russia, Pakistan, India, and several African states.
Zimbabwe will soon host key SADC training exercises, including maritime and aviation drills.
Significant progress in demining operations was noted, with Manicaland Province declared mine-free after the clearance of the Rusitu to Muzite Mission minefield in December 2024.
Only 4% of the country’s original 850 km of minefields remain.
On welfare, President Mnangagwa stated that the government is improving service conditions, including rationalising salaries, enhancing medical facilities, and increasing institutional housing.
A phased programme is underway to boost the ZDF’s transport fleet, while construction projects honouring liberation war heroes are being developed in Mozambique and Angola.
The President also applauded the ZDF’s social responsibility projects, such as schools, clinics, and infrastructure developments across the country, achieved with the support of the business community and well-wishers.
He closed his address by saluting the professionalism, loyalty, and patriotism of the armed forces, declaring: “The Zimbabwe Defence Forces remain a disciplined and trusted People’s Army. Our nation salutes and thanks you all.”
History and heroics mark Defence Forces Day at Rufaro Stadium
Rufaro Stadium was transformed into a living history book today as the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), Churchill High School, and supporting arts groups delivered a breathtaking recreation of the nation’s struggle, from the arrival of white settlers in 1890 to the triumphant dawn of independence in 1980.
The spectacle opened with mock battles between white settlers and valiant Ndebele and Shona warriors, the clash of shields and spears echoing across the stands.
The narrative then marched through decades of resistance, culminating in a stirring re-enactment of the liberation war.
The crowd erupted as the scene shifted to the symbolic moment when, right at Rufaro Stadium in 1980, the Union Jack was lowered and the Zimbabwean flag rose for the first time.
Before the historical drama, the skies above Mbare were alive with colour and adrenaline as ZDF paratroopers descended in perfect formation, gliding with flair and precision to land in the stadium.
The energy on the ground matched the action in the air, with strongman Zikali drawing gasps from the crowd as he hauled an army truck across the pitch in an awe-inspiring feat of raw power.
The celebrations were capped with the stirring voices of performers and spectators alike joining in the timeless liberation anthem “Nzira Dzemasoja,” sealing a day that was as much about honouring the past as it was about celebrating national pride.
It was a performance steeped in history, rich in drama, and glowing with patriotism—a fitting tribute to the spirit of Zimbabwe.
