Online Reporter
Columbus Mabika
BY consistently guaranteeing peace and stability, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) has created an enabling environment for the country to attain economic stability and development, ZDF Commander General Emmanuel Matatu has said.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Defence Forces Day commemorations, Gen Matatu reaffirmed the ZDF’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty while evolving into a modern, technology-driven force that continues to support national development through community empowerment and infrastructure development.
“We are commemorating 46 years of consistent guaranteeing of peace and stability, which has enabled the nation to attain economic stability and development in a tranquil environment,” said Gen Matatu. Zimbabwe will also be celebrating Heroes Day tomorrow. The military, Gen Matatu said, continues to modernise its capabilities to remain effective in an increasingly complex global security environment, where artificial intelligence, digitalisation and emerging technologies are transforming defence operations across the world.
“The ZDF is continually retooling and re-equipping in order to enable it to fulfil its mandate,” he said.
“The ZDF stands ready and is in the process of adopting and embracing technological advancements to measure up with the technological demands of the modern theatre.”
Innovation, he added, had become a key pillar of the force’s long-term development strategy, with the ZDF’s research and development department spearheading efforts to develop home-grown technological solutions.
“The ZDF has a research and development department, which is the cornerstone of harnessing innovations that bring local solutions to real needs, which, in the long run, will lead to import substitution.”
Beyond its traditional security role, Gen Matatu said the ZDF remained committed to improving the livelihoods of communities through its annual Community Assistance Week programme, which has become one of the flagship activities leading up to Defence Forces Day.
He said the initiative had produced tangible benefits across the country.
“The ZDF has made major contributions to infrastructure development through the construction of classroom blocks at schools, clinic and administration blocks, which has enhanced access to social services such as education, health and administration,” he said. He also said the military remained fully prepared to discharge its obligations despite growing instability in parts of the region.
Gen Matatu said improving the living and working conditions of uniformed forces remained a priority.
“Efforts are underway to address the welfare needs of the ZDF members in the areas of health, accommodation, transport and remuneration, and progress in this regard is closely linked to the performance of the national economy,” he said.
Turning to this year’s Defence Forces Day celebrations, Gen Matatu said Zimbabweans across the country should expect vibrant provincial commemorations that mirror the main national event.
“Provincial activities are a replica of activities at national level, highlights of which are parades to mark the 46th anniversary, the Commander-in-Chief’s address and an array of entertainment activities,” he said.
“I implore the nation to remain focused on peace, unity and development and to shun drugs and substance abuse so that the nation continues to make progress towards the realisation of a prosperous and better future.”
