Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) remain a central pillar in the country’s drive towards socio-economic transformation and industrialisation, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has said.
Speaking after touring the ZDF exhibition stand at the 115th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in Harare on Friday, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the defence forces continue to guarantee the peace, stability and security, upon which national progress is built.
“I am very impressed by the experience I have had, which really puts together our mandate as the Zimbabwe Defence Forces,” she said.
“The ZDF plays a very critical role in creating a peaceful and stable environment for any economic, political and social activity to take place in Zimbabwe.”
ZDF’s work, she added, dovetails with Government’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which lays the foundation for transition into NDS2.
“We can see the role that defence plays to ensure that the success story being registered, particularly under Vision 2030, is realised.
“We will be able to attain an upper-middle-income society as envisaged by 2030.”
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri applauded the ZDF for remaining “committed and resolute” in protecting the nation’s people and resources, stressing that their role extends beyond conventional security.
“After 1980, our priority area was to clear Kariba Dam of all landmines so that we could use that electricity facility to benefit agriculture,” she said.
“We have since seen agriculture grow exponentially to levels where we are now self-sufficient and have regained the breadbasket of Zimbabwe status.”
She added that the ZDF also played a role in boosting tourism by clearing landmines around Victoria Falls and other strategic sites.
“Tourism is booming because, dangerous as it was, our defence forces cleared those areas.
ZDF, she said, continues to safeguard the country’s critical infrastructure.
The defence forces were also embracing modern technologies, such as the use of drones, in line with President Mnangagwa’s directive to modernise and mechanise operations, she added.
Zimbabwe Defence Industries and the Zimbabwe National Defence University are reportedly collaborating with the army to produce military hardware, tractors and other agricultural equipment under the Education 5.0 model.
“This is just the beginning,” she said.
“Very soon, they will partner with other countries and local institutions so that we build our own capabilities, defend our sovereignty, save foreign currency and create jobs.”
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show was held under the theme “Sustained Growth: Adaptation, Productivity, Linkages”.
Online Reporter