Online Reporter
Columbus Mabika and Takudzwa Mukungatu
The Zimbabwe Defence Forces will continue to engage and court other regional armies through exchange programmes to keep abreast with developments in the military domain, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has said.
She made the remarks in a speech read on her behalf by her deputy Levy Mayihlome during the graduation of Junior Staff Course Number 82 at the Zimbabwe Staff College in Harare yesterday.
The course had an enrolment of 40 officers, drawn from various units, formations and bases of the Zimbabwe National Army, Air Force of Zimbabwe and nine allied students from Lesotho, Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, Nigeria and the United Republic of Tanzania.
The ZDF also continues to engage in military exchange programmes with other defence forces from the region and beyond, to keep up to date with developments in the military sector.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said collaboration with other nations was key to ensure the sustenance of formidable defence capabilities to mitigate contemporary threats.
“Exchange programmes provide a platform to further strengthen defence cooperation. Zimbabwe has also become a popular destination for military study tours by other defence forces, not just from the African continent but even beyond,” she said.
“During the first half of this year, we were honoured to host four separate external study tours from the Republics of Kenya and Ghana, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Democratic People’s Republic of Algeria.
“On the international scene, we are confronted by a multitude of challenges that require cooperation and collective action. These range among others, from climate change, cyber warfare, terrorism, nuclear proliferation and other transnational crimes.”
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri added that as a responsible member of the international community, Zimbabwe will continue to play an active role in promoting peace, stability and cooperation.
The involvement of allied students on the course is a conscious endeavour to strengthen regional defence and security cooperation, which is vital in enhancing interoperability of forces, she said.
The minister also said the ZDF remains committed to maintaining a formidable defence capability and create a peaceful environment conducive for socio-economic development.
“As we gather here today on this auspicious occasion, we are reminded of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ unwavering commitment to defend Zimbabwe’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as its contribution to international peace and security.
“The thrust is to ensure the sustenance of a formidable defence capability to mitigate contemporary threats,” she said.
Peace is a key driver to national development and the place of the military in its sustenance is invaluable, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said.
Turning to landmine clearance, she said the Government will continue to engage prospective global partners for support in demining operations as the country strives for a mine-free country status after missing the 2025 landmine-free deadline due to limited funding.
“Zimbabwe was working towards becoming a mine-free country by December 2025. This target has been missed owing to limited funding, a situation that has been aggravated by the withdrawal of some of our international partners as a result of lack of support from traditional donors like the United States.
“We will continue to invest in our people, equipment and infrastructure, towards ensuring that our country is landmine free,” she said.
Commandant Zimbabwe Staff College, Brigadier General Joel Muzvidziwa, said the ZDF will continue to embrace and appreciate global political dynamics and technological changes as it remains vigilant to keep abreast with the evolving military fighting concepts.
