Editorial Comment: ZDF worthy of unreserved praise

Doomsayers in the 1980s thought that the people’s army would not last long, considering that it was a combination of former warring parties — Zanla and Zipra forces on one hand and the Rhodesian army on the other.
However, 32 years on, they have not only proved their critics wrong, but they have shown that they are a force to reckon with; a force that uses the bitter lessons of the liberation struggle to solve difficult issues, and in the process turning itself into a formidable regional and international force.
Staying at the top and continuing to rise against all odds as President Mugabe, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, said is not only a mark of excellence and character on the part of the ZDF, but it is something that all peace-loving Zimbabweans take pride in.
If a people’s army cannot defend its national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests, then it ceases to be one. It becomes a renegade army.
Over the past three decades several conditions to create anarchy were created by Zimbabwe’s detractors, but their efforts have come to naught.
If the ZDF had not maintained the peace that we all enjoy today, we would never have witnessed the massive turnouts at the National Heroes commemorations and the Defence Forces Day yesterday, and the day before.
Those who used to argue that the soccer matches slated during these commemorations were the major draw cards for people to attend in record numbers have been left with egg on their faces for people do not go to watch soccer matches at the National Heroes Acre.
The unity, peace and tranquillity that we have witnessed in the past decade, while the nation reeled under the illegal economic sanctions imposed by Britain, the United States of America and their allies, are not a result of some magic wand.
It is real peace that many parts of the world, Britain and the US included, wish for and wonder how the ZDF has become such a disciplined force that puts national interests first.
We also commend the construction of the ZDF’s National Defence College, which President Mugabe described as a defence university in the making, whose doors will be open to senior military and civilian officers.
Not only will this be an addition to Zimbabwe’s many institutions of higher learning, but it is a training institute that is coming at an opportune time.
Globalisation has changed the whole notion of maintaining peace and security, with future peacekeepers being men and women who should understand their environments and how best to deal with threats. The ZDF’s high skill level has seen it taking up United Nations peace missions regionally and internationally. It has also seen it working on exchange programmes with regional forces.
This is not only good for ZDF, but it is also good for regional integration, peace and security.
However, 32 years of commitment to national peace and security is not only commendable, but should also be handsomely rewarded.
It is therefore imperative that all major stakeholders continually revisit the conditions of service of members of the ZDF.
If they are creating a peaceful environment that allows the majority to realise their dreams, they should also be appreciated by availing opportunities such as housing, for there is a life after service.
Additionally, if the protracted liberation struggle was waged in order for Zimbabwe to reclaim its nationhood and resources stolen by settler colonialists, why should a people’s army that fought the coloniser be barred from protecting those resources when they are now in the hands of the people? Why should they not benefit?
Thus we reiterate comments we made when we congratulated the People’s Liberation Army of China on the occasion of its 85th anniversary — its resolute stance in defending China’s independence.
They are not ashamed to tell the world about the contributions they have made as they undertook “the sacred duty of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.” This is what the ZDF has continually done. Thus we question why the so-called security sector reforms have become an issue during the tenure of the inclusive Government. In whose interests are they?
President Mugabe was very clear on the founding principles of the ZDF: “The formation of the defence forces in 1980, through the integration of three formerly warring parties of Zanla, Zipra and the Rhodesian Army, was a landmark development which has paid off handsomely through the relevant peace . . . It is in recognition of the achievement of this seemingly impossible task of bringing together three previously warring parties into a single entity, with a shared vision and unity of purpose . . .”
We ask, if soldiers can unite and work together peacefully, why should this unity be elusive among the people for whom they maintain peace?
The foundation of the ZDF thus makes a violent-free nation imperative, not only during election time, but all the time. That way, people’s focus will turn toward the bigger battle — growing the economy.
We therefore congratulate the ZDF. There is so much to learn from them and about them, and also so much to apply in our daily endeavours.
But three decades on, they have unequivocally stamped their mark of authority as the only force capable of safeguarding Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and national security and integrity, something that the West cannot ignore in their quest for illegal regime change.