Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) to expand their capabilities beyond traditional military defence to address modern security threats such as climate change, cyber-attacks, pandemics, terrorism and economic instability.
Speaking at the 45th anniversary of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day on Tuesday in the capital, President Mnangagwa said the evolving global landscape demanded that the ZDF adapt swiftly to safeguard national interests and contribute to socio-economic development.
“The fast-paced and multi-pronged global developments require that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces spread beyond the traditional role of defending our national sovereignty and territorial integrity from external military threats,” he said. “I challenge the Defence Forces to continue increasing their capabilities around a wider range of threats.”
President Mnangagwa commended the ZDF’s support in non-combat roles such as border control, combating drug and substance abuse, disaster preparedness, and climate change mitigation.
He cited recent flood rescue operations in Gokwe, Domboshava, and Tokwe-Mukosi as examples of the military’s growing role in community protection.
Reaffirming Zimbabwe’s policy of “friend to all and enemy of none,” President Mnangagwa stressed the nation’s commitment to peaceful international relations and regional stability, noting the deployment of Zimbabwean troops to peace support missions in South Sudan, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and the United Nations headquarters in New York.
On training and cooperation, he highlighted ongoing exchange programmes with countries including China, Russia, Pakistan, India, South Africa, and Namibia, as well as preparations to host SADC joint military exercises.
The Zimbabwe National Defence University, he said, had become a regional hub for defence and security studies.
He also celebrated progress in demining operations, announcing that Manicaland Province was now mine-free after the completion of the Rusitu–Muzite Mission clearance in December 2024. Only 4% of the country’s original minefields remain.
The President pledged continued government efforts to improve conditions of service for defence personnel, including salary adjustments, housing, transport provision, and completion of the ZDF Referral Hospital at Manyame Air Force Base.
He also paid tribute to the liberation war heritage, urging current service members never to forget the sacrifices of those who fought for independence. Monuments are being constructed in Mozambique and Angola to honour fallen heroes such as the late General Josiah Magama Tongogara.
“The Zimbabwe Defence Forces remains a disciplined and trusted People’s Army,” President Mnangagwa said. “Our nation salutes and thanks you for your resilience, loyalty, professionalism and unflinching patriotism.”
The 2025 commemorations were held under the theme “Zimbabwe Defence Forces: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030.”
New Ziana
