Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure-Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE Government is investing in specialised training, modern technologies and regional cooperation initiatives to ensure the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) remains prepared to counter evolving security threats, safeguard the country’s sovereignty and support national development, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has said.
In an interview ahead of the 46th Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day commemorations on Tuesday, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said training, modernisation and regional cooperation remain central to strengthening the capabilities of the country’s defence forces.
She said preparations for this year’s commemorations are now complete, with President Mnangagwa, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the ZDF, expected to preside over the main event at Rufaro Stadium in Harare.
Provincial commemorations will also be held across the country’s 10 provinces under the stewardship of Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution. Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri urged members of the defence forces and the public to remain united in defending Zimbabwe’s peace, security and territorial integrity. She also called on Zimbabweans to attend the commemorations in large numbers, saying an exciting programme had been lined up.
“We look forward to exciting and memorable commemorations. The major highlight of the commemorations will be the speech by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa,” she said.
The celebrations will feature military parades, ceremonial drills and capability displays by the ZDF, alongside performances by civilian artistes.
Security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of those attending.
As part of the afternoon programme, Rufaro Stadium will host a football match between a ZDF select side and the Namibian Defence Force team.
The commemorations, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri added, build on the annual Zimbabwe Defence Forces Community Assistance Week, which ran from August 3 to 7, and reflects the military’s contribution to national development.
Under the programme, the ZDF has been handing over completed community projects, including schools and other public infrastructure, in all the country’s 10 provinces.
She said beyond its constitutional mandate of defending the nation, the ZDF continues to play an important role in socio-economic development.
“They also support national development through disaster response, infrastructure projects, healthcare and peacekeeping,” she said.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri added that the defence forces have made significant contributions in disaster management, humanitarian assistance, landmine clearance and infrastructure development, improving the lives of communities across the country.
Paying tribute to serving and retired members of the ZDF and their families, she commended their dedication, professionalism and sacrifices in service of the nation.
“Professionalism is reinforced through continuous training, military education and strict adherence to the regulatory framework. International cooperation also helps maintain high professional standards as it enables us to exchange notes on pertinent issues,” she said.
On gender equality, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said expanding opportunities for women within the defence forces has remained one of her priorities since becoming Zimbabwe’s first female Minister of Defence.
“The first issue that I looked into was the proportion of women that were serving in a number of areas, given, of course, that we didn’t have any women amongst the generals, the top echelons of defence. We discovered that there were no female generals at all levels — Major-Generals and Lieutenant-Generals,” she said.
She noted that since then, several female officers have been promoted to senior ranks, including Brigadier-General, Major-General and Lieutenant-General, while women continue to make valuable contributions across the defence forces in leadership, as well as operational and peacekeeping roles.
