They are compelled by section 211(3) of the Constitution to respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all persons and be non-partisan, of national in character, patriotic, professional and subordinate to civilian authority.
The men and women in uniform have acquitted themselves well in ensuring that peace reigns supreme and territorial integrity is maintained in our beautiful country.
They have also been deployed to peacekeeping assignments, such as the United Nations missions or other peace support missions for the African Union.
They have been unflinching even when the economy takes a knock.
To them, defending the country comes first and everything else plays second fiddle.
However, such a commitment must be reciprocated by ensuring their welfare is catered for at all times.
In his Defence Forces Day speech on Tuesday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa underscored his administration’s commitment to improving the conditions of service for members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
He said the Defence Forces Service Commission was engaged in a process to rationalise inter-rank salary differentials.
This is being done in tandem with efforts to finalise the implementation of the Military Salary Concept.
That must be expedited to boost morale in the force.
Mnangagwa said the government was accelerating the completion of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Referral Hospital at Manyame Air Base.
Refurbishment, upgrading and modernisation projects of other medical facilities in cantonment areas were being accelerated, he said.
The President said the government was exploring innovative financing to address accommodation challenges faced by ZDF members.
Yearly, the defence forces are told of government’s commitment to addressing their welfare.
But the wheels appear to be moving slowly.
We exhort the government to prioritise ZDF members, whose role has expanded beyond maintaining peace and defending the country’s territorial integrity.
Their role has expanded to helping during natural disasters.
When Cyclone Idai struck Manicaland, ZDF members were the first to react, rescuing marooned villagers.
As part of civil-military relations, ZDF has rolled out free healthcare in communities, built classroom blocks and bridges.
It is the peace we enjoy today which has seen President Emmerson Mnangagwa proclaiming at international forums that “Zimbabwe is open for business”. 🔗 Read Full Article
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