President Mnangagwa Commends ZDF for Safeguarding Peace, Security

HARARE- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has commended the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) for maintaining peace and security, saying their role is critical to creating an environment conducive to economic development and the attainment of Vision 2030.

Addressing the 46th Defence Forces Day commemorations held at Rufaro Stadium, President Mnangagwa said the ZDF had continued to fulfil its constitutional mandate of protecting Zimbabwe’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He stated that the prevailing peace and stability provided a foundation for the country’s socio-economic development trajectory.

“Zimbabwe Defence Forces: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030,” was the theme of this year’s commemorations.

The President said the ZDF’s responsibilities had become increasingly important amid growing global security threats and an unpredictable international environment.

“In the face of the complex security threats and challenges, Zimbabwe is accordingly expediting the modernisation of defense systems and capabilities,” he said.

President Mnangagwa revealed that the Government was strengthening the country’s defence and security architecture through improved coordination, greater efficiency and the increased application of science and technology.

He challenged senior military officers to drive innovation within the defence sector, particularly in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

“Going forward, I challenge senior military officers to take the lead and facilitate a defence ecosystem that drives innovation to develop fluid and more resource-efficient systems,” President Mnangagwa said.

President Mnangagwa also called for increased investment in training and the development of specialised capabilities to ensure the ZDF remains professional and prepared to respond to contemporary security threats.

Beyond its traditional security mandate, he praised the ZDF for its contribution to national development through community projects, food security, disaster response and border control.

He cited the construction of schools and health infrastructure in areas including Rushinga, Buhera, Gokwe, Mutasa North and Harare, as well as medical outreach programmes undertaken in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

The Defence Forces have also been involved in border control operations with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and other security agencies along the borders with South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Mozambique.

President Mnangagwa added that these joint operations had contributed to public security while facilitating the movement of people and trade.

He further commended the ZDF for its role in disaster management, including search and rescue operations in Masvingo and Midlands provinces.

The President also highlighted the military’s contribution to national food security through institutional farms, urging the ZDF to expand into agro-processing and the export of high-value agricultural products.

On defence modernisation, he said Government would continue supporting the development of a science and technology-driven national defense industry.

He said innovations developed by students at the Zimbabwe National Defense University demonstrated the potential for locally developed solutions to contribute to the country’s defense capabilities and broader industrial development.

The President also reiterated Government’s commitment to clearing landmines left from the liberation war, saying Zimbabwe remained determined to become a mine-free country.

He thanked international partners, including the United Nations Development Programme, Norwegian People’s Aid, the Hazardous Area Life Support Organisation and the Mine Advisory Group, for supporting the country’s demining programme.

The President asserted Zimbabwe’s foreign policy of being “a friend to all and enemy to none” would continue to guide its engagement with the international community.

He lauded Zimbabwe’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2027–2028 as a reflection of the country’s commitment to international peace and security and commended the ZDF’s participation in regional and international peace-support initiatives, as well as military training and exchange programmes.

The Zimbabwean leader said the ZDF would remain central to creating the peaceful and stable environment required to accelerate Zimbabwe’s economic transformation.

“As the nation marches towards becoming a prosperous and empowered Upper-Middle Income Society, I challenge the ZDF to evolve, innovate and adapt in line with the needs and national interest of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe,” he said.

He concluded by saluting the officers, men and women of the ZDF for what he described as their steadfast, loyal, patriotic and disciplined service to the country.

The event was graced by the country's executive including the two Vice Presidents, Retired General Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Retired Colonel Kembo Mohadi, some members of the  Cabinet, and the First Family.

The commemorations were spiced up with military displays that left the bumper crowd in awe.