Online Reporter
Columbus Mabika, Harare Bureau
FROM state-of-the-art classroom blocks to free medical outreach services in remote corners of the country, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) is quietly transforming the country, one project at a time.
Through its Community Assistance Programme, the ZDF has evolved from a traditional military force into a partner for national development, channelling its expertise and manpower to uplift under-served communities.
This initiative, which began in 2001 as a modest effort focused on cleaning and maintenance of public facilities, has matured into a nationwide programme of building clinics, schools, housing and providing free health services.
At the heart of this transformation lies a simple but powerful philosophy that development is everyone’s duty.
“This philosophy denotes that each and every person has a role to play in Zimbabwe’s development agenda,” said Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri during a recent handover ceremony of a newly constructed dormitory block at Nhowe Mission in Mashonaland East province.
“The Defence Forces’ partnership with communities and other stakeholders has seen the sprouting of many projects where communities are contributing to the development and transformation of their own areas.
“I reserve my gratitude for the massive support we are receiving from different stakeholders that are contributing to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Community Assistance Programme.
“This is ample testimony to the fact that, driven by a common purpose and vision, people can effectively mobilise resources to develop their communities.”
Built by the Zimbabwe National Army’s 2 Infantry Brigade, the facility reflects what can be achieved through collaboration between the armed forces and local communities.
The ZDF’s approach is rooted in a symbiotic model, one likened to the relationship between fish and water.
The military provides its skilled personnel, including engineers, artisans and medical staff, free of charge.
In turn, communities contribute the material resources required for the projects.
By removing labour costs, this partnership slashes construction expenses and enables projects that might otherwise remain pipe dreams.
Over the years, the programme has expanded its reach from assisting mainly the health and education sectors to include supporting initiatives under the agricultural and national housing sectors.
Hundreds of facilities, including modern classroom blocks, hospital wards, clinics and housing units, have been constructed and handed over to communities.
Simultaneously, millions of people have received free medical treatment and cataract surgeries under the ZDF’s medical outreach campaigns.
Deputy Minister of Defence Brigadier-General (Rtd) Levy Mayihlome captured the spirit behind the programme while leading a medical outreach event in Maphisa, Matabeleland South province: “The Zimbabwe Defence Forces Community Assistance Week is our way of contributing towards the vision in transforming Zimbabwe into a prosperous society. We also use the programme as our modest way to express our gratitude to the community for the support we continue to receive as we discharge our mandate of safeguarding Zimbabwe’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
At the grassroots level, the impact is tangible.
At Nhowe Mission, which benefitted from the recent dormitory construction, community leaders expressed heartfelt appreciation.
“I want to thank the ZDF for the project,” said superintendent Brian Gonzo.
“I also want to extend my thanks to all those who funded this project and the community for their assistance.”
The mission, he said, will approach the ZDF again for assistance in the construction of Nhowe Mission Nursing School, which has failed to take off due to funding challenges despite the groundbreaking ceremony 15 years ago.
Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Itayi Ndudzo thanked the ZDF “for their remarkable contribution to development through the construction of state-of-the-art infrastructure throughout the country”.
Ahead of the Defence Forces Day commemorations on Tuesday, the ZDF’s Community Assistance Programme has emerged as a quiet but powerful force driving Vision 2030.
Dozens of projects are currently at various stages of completion and are expected to be handed over to communities next year, proving that the ZDF’s work in peacetime is just as important as its mission in times of conflict.
