Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira
Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) remains a formidable, disciplined beacon of the peace, stability and tranquillity prevailing in the country, President Mnangagwa has said.
The President, who is also the Commander in Chief of the ZDF, said this at Rufaro Stadium in Harare yesterday while delivering the keynote address during the 45th ZDF commemorations.
He said members of the ZDF must never forget the journey travelled during the war of liberation that saw the country attain independence in 1980.
“The Zimbabwe Defence Forces is indeed in a new epoch. As we look into the future, you, the officers, men and women who now constitute the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, must never forget that journey to independence, sovereignty, peace and unity, which we are enjoying. The agonising suffering inflicted by the brutal racist colonial regime and protracted war of liberation is etched in our national memory,” said President Mnangagwa.
“The people of our country were subjected to oppression, segregation and displacement from our land. Likewise, nationalists and freedom fighters endured treacherous environments and situations, including fighting many battles, detention, imprisonment and restrictions. Many died in the ruthless massacres, while others lie in marked and unmarked graves, here at home and in the region.”
For that reason, the President said members of the ZDF should remain steadfast and be a shining example by maintaining the country’s peace, territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“Our rich liberation war heritage must, therefore, embolden you, as the current crop of the Defence Forces, to remain a formidable, dependable and disciplined force. You remain beacons of our nation’s peace, security and socio-economic development,” he said.
The 45th celebrations of the ZDF Day were held under the theme, “Zimbabwe Defence Forces: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030”.
“The fast-paced and multi-pronged, global developments require that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces spreads beyond the traditional role of defending our national sovereignty and territorial integrity from external military threats,” President Mnangagwa said.
“I, therefore, challenge the Defence Forces to continue increasing their capabilities around a wider range of threats, that relate to economic instability, climate change, cyber-attacks, pandemics and terrorism. In this spirit, I applaud the various initiatives being undertaken by our Forces to provide Military Aid to Civil Power.”
President Mnangagwa said improvements of conditions of service for members of the ZDF were ongoing and remained a priority of his administration.
“The Defence Forces Commission is engaged in a process to rationalise the inter-rank salary differentials. This is being done in tandem with efforts to finalise implementation of the Military Salary Concept,” said President Mnangagwa.
He outlined several interventions that Government embarked upon to improve conditions of service for members of the ZDF.
They include speeding up completion of a referral hospital at Manyame Air Force Base, and refurbishment of medical facilities in cantonment areas across the country.
Other interventions include provision of accommodation and transport which is a key priority, with a phased programme in place to add an assortment of vehicles for various ZDF operations.
On the international front, Zimbabwe, said President Mnangagwa, will never compromise the country’s peace and security given the brutality that people were subjected to by the Ian Smith regime.
He said the country will uphold it’s principle that it is a friend to all and an enemy to none.
“However, as an independent and sovereign country, we will never sacrifice our legitimate rights and interests or our peace and security. Colonial oppression and the liberation struggle exposed us to brutality and suffering that can result from war and conflict,” President Mnangagwa said.
“Zimbabwe’s commitment to national, regional and continental peace as well as to a peaceful international order, anchored on the equality of nations is therefore unshakeable.”
The President expressed appreciation for the bilateral defence and security cooperation between Zimbabwe and several countries that include China, Russia, Pakistan, Greece, Malaysia, India, Tanzania, Egypt South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Eswatini among others.
“The Zimbabwe National Defence University has become one of the centres of excellence in Defence and Security studies in the Sadc region. Members of the public are welcome to enrol for programmes offered by the university,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said significant strides towards becoming a mine free country had been registered with only 4 percent of the 850 km remaining infested with landmines.
“My gratitude is also extended to development partners and international humanitarian de-mining organisations for the financial and material support extended to the programme. On its part, Government will continue to capacitate the Zimbabwe Defence Forces National Mine Clearance Unit,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said it was pleasing that the ZDF continued to carry out social responsibility projects transforming communities.
“The 2025 Zimbabwe Defence Forces Community Assistance Week, which preceded these commemorations, saw the handover of various community projects undertaken by the Defence Forces throughout the country. Others are at various stages of completion including 29 projects in the education sector and four clinics in the health sector respectively,” President Mnangagwa said.
“Ministries, Departments and Agencies are also receiving the support of the Defence Forces in several other construction works such as the Registry offices in Buhera, a Veterinary Services office block in Binga, infrastructure for a communal dairy in Mutapa and traditional courts for chiefs among others. I extend my Government’s gratitude to the business community and other well wishers, whose generous support is ensuring the success of these projects.”
He commended the ZDF for the selfless commitment of its members in safeguarding national independence sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interest.
Yesterday’s event was attended by First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, the two Vice Presidents, Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet ministers, Zanu PF Politburo members, legislators, service chiefs, traditional leaders, diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe and senior Government officials.
