President lauds ZDF for its steadfast role in defending the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity

Harmony AgereOnline WriterPresident Mnangagwa today led the nation in celebrating the 45th Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Day at Rufaro Stadium, lauding the military for its steadfast role in defending the country’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.The event, held a day after the Heroes Day commemorations, paid tribute to the men and women who have served in the ZDF since its formation in 1980, following the integration of the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) and the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA).The President saluted the founding members and urged the current generation of officers to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of the liberation struggle.“Our rich liberation war heritage must embolden you to remain a formidable, dependable, and disciplined force,” he said, highlighting this year’s theme: “Zimbabwe Defence Forces: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030.”President Mnangagwa challenged the ZDF to expand its capabilities to address emerging threats such as climate change, economic instability, cyber-attacks, pandemics, and terrorism.He commended the forces’ humanitarian efforts, including disaster response, search and rescue operations during floods, and grain distribution to affected communities.The Head of State praised the ZDF’s participation in peacekeeping missions under the United Nations, African Union, and SADC in countries including South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic He also highlighted growing military cooperation with nations such as China, Russia, Pakistan, India, and several African states.Zimbabwe will soon host key SADC training exercises, including maritime and aviation drills.Significant progress in demining operations was noted, with Manicaland Province declared mine-free after the clearance of the Rusitu to Muzite Mission minefield in December 2024.Only 4% of the country’s original 850 km of minefields remain.On welfare, President Mnangagwa stated that the government is improving service conditions, including rationalising salaries, enhancing medical facilities, and increasing institutional housing.A phased programme is underway to boost the ZDF’s transport fleet, while construction projects honouring liberation war heroes are being developed in Mozambique and Angola.The President also applauded the ZDF’s social responsibility projects, such as schools, clinics, and infrastructure developments across the country, achieved with the support of the business community and well-wishers.He closed his address by saluting the professionalism, loyalty, and patriotism of the armed forces, declaring: “The Zimbabwe Defence Forces remain a disciplined and trusted People’s Army Our nation salutes and thanks you all.”Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald All Zim News is a central hub for all things Zimbabwean, curating news from across the country so no story is missed Alongside aggregation, our team of nationwide reporters provides real-time, on-the-ground coverage Stay informed and connected — reach us at admin@allzimnews.com . Source: Herald