President Mnangagwa honors Zimbabwe Defence Forces
Rufaro Stadium, Harare – 12 August 2025
By Tinashe Mukori
During a heartfelt speech celebrating the 45th anniversary of Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Day, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa recognized the dedication of the country’s military personnel, commending their unwavering commitment to safeguarding Zimbabwe’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Addressing a large audience at Rufaro Stadium, the Commander-in-Chief described the ZDF as a “disciplined and trusted People’s Army,” emphasizing their vital role in maintaining peace, security, and socio-economic progress in Zimbabwe.
The President reflected on the evolution from the liberation struggle to the present, honouring the legacy and contributions of the founding cadres drawn from ZANLA and ZIPRA in 1980, and urged current officers to draw inspiration from and remain guided by the sacrifices made by those who endured colonial oppression, displacement, and warfare. He emphasized the importance of the country’s liberation heritage in strengthening the military’s resolve to be a formidable and reliable force, in line with this year’s theme: “Zimbabwe Defence Forces: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030.”
Acknowledging the changing security landscape, President Mnangagwa called upon the ZDF to expand its operational scope beyond conventional defense to include challenges such as economic instability, climate change, cyber threats, pandemics, and terrorism. He praised the Forces for their support of civilian authorities, particularly in disaster relief, anti-drug initiatives, and flood rescue operations in areas like Sanyati, Sebakwe, Domboshava, and Tokwe-Mukosi.
Reiterating the nation’s foreign policy of being “a friend to all and an enemy to none,” the President reaffirmed and underscored Zimbabwe’s unwavering dedication to promoting peace at the national, regional, and global levels.
He highlighted the ZDF’s involvement in peacekeeping missions under SADC, the African Union, and the United Nations in countries such as South Sudan, Central African Republic, the DRC, and Ethiopia.
Cde Mnangagwa highlighted the importance of defense partnerships with countries like China, Russia, India, South Africa, and other African nations while also announcing upcoming joint exercises under SADC. He celebrated advancements in demining efforts, revealing that Manicaland is now free of mines after the clearance of the Rusitu-Muzite Mission minefield, leaving only 4% of national minefields remaining.
On the domestic front, the President assured ongoing improvements to military service conditions, including salary structure reviews, the completion of the Manyame Air Force Base Referral Hospital, upgraded medical facilities, expanded housing initiatives, and new transport fleets. He also announced memorial projects in Mozambique and Angola to honor liberation war heroes like General Josiah Magama Tongogara.
Recognizing the community development contributions of the ZDF, he mentioned over 30 projects in health and education that have been completed or initiated during the 2025 Community Assistance Week, along with infrastructure efforts for government and rural development.
In his closing remarks, President Mnangagwa praised the resilience, professionalism, and patriotism of the Defence Forces, calling for ongoing unity in nation-building. “Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo… Our nation salutes and thanks you all,” he concluded, wishing the nation a joyful and safe Defence Forces Day celebration.
About Author
