Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira
Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) remain focused on modernising and upgrading its capabilities to contain emerging non-traditional security threats that include cyber crimes, terrorism and recurrent climate change.
This was said by Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri in her speech to mark the 45th Zimbabwe Defence Forces commemorations held at Rufaro Stadium.
She said this year’s celebrations came under the background of a complex operational environment, largely occasioned by shifting geo political dynamics characterised by tensions and mistrusts among nations.
“In addition to battling against traditional security threats, we have to contend with emerging non-traditional security threats in the form of cyber-crimes, terrorism, recurrent climate change-induced disasters, proliferation of fake news, human and drug trafficking, just to mention a few,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
“Your Excellency, given the complex nature of the defence and security environment, Your Ministry is focused on modernising and upgrading national defence capabilities in order to remain versatile, adaptable and keep abreast with rapidly changing developments. The modern warfare is now leveraging the Internet of Things, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence.”
She said through the Research and Development outputs from the Zimbabwe National Defence University, the ZDF had embraced the advanced technologies and remain formidable to counter any threat.”
She said the President’s leadership has been an inspiration.
“Your Excellency, under your astute guidance, you have taught us to be a self-reliant force.
“Production at Zimbabwe Defence Industries is being revamped to satisfy the demand for military consumables by your force. Our farms around the country not only meet our food needs, but also contribute to national food security. Plans are afoot to establish an entity to provide commercial construction services to the public,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
On the diplomatic front, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said ZDF continued to strengthen cooperation with friendly countries in areas of mutual interest, while at the same time collaborating with various multi-lateral institutions in promoting international peace and security.
“In all these undertakings, we remain guided by your (President Mnangagwa) principle that Zimbabwe is ‘a friend to all and an enemy to none’.
“In this context, we have deployed Defence Attaches in 67 nations with whom we are cooperating in various areas, which include skills development, technology transfer and exchange of military information,” she said.
“We are inspired by your relentless efforts to nurture sustainable peace and security not just in the SADC region, and beyond. Peace and security has been high on your agenda as the Chairperson of SADC, as exemplified by your leadership in the joint efforts by SADC and the East African Community (EAC), to bring peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
She said President Mnangagwa’s desire for lasting peace and security resonate well with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, particularly with regard to the continental body’s objective of silencing the guns in Africa by ending all forms of wars, conflicts, and gender based violence.
She said the ZDF Community Assistance Week saw the completion of schools and clinics free of charge by members of the ZDF.
“The Community Assistance Programme is consistent with your desire to inspire new heroes to champion national developmental aspirations as articulated by your development philosophy “Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo”.
“The projects are part of peacetime operations by your army and cement the symbiotic fish and water relationship between the people’s army and the communities,” she said.
