The Sunday News
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has pledged to improve the welfare of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) in honour of the hardwork, sacrifice and commitment to the security of the country and excellence in regional peace keeping missions.
The President said this in his national address on the occasion to mark the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day commemorations on Tuesday in Harare.
This year’s celebrations are being held under the theme ‘ZDF: Celebrating 40 Years of Excellent Service to the People’.
“I am aware of the sacrificial nature and service ethos of the Defence Forces, however, my administration remains determined to improve the salaries and conditions of service for our Forces.
Housing, transport and medical facilities among other requirements are being improved in recognition of the role and sacrifices made by our Defence Forces in the conduct of their duties,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said he was going to ensure that mobility, requisite training equipment and Research and Development needs would be equally funded to ensure the modernisation and improvement of the nation’s defence capabilities.
The President also said veterans of the liberation struggle would also see their needs being addressed after the passing of the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Bill.
“With regard to the War Veterans Affairs, my Government has resuscitated the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Bill which has now gone past the Second Reading Stage in Parliament. The passing of the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Bill into Law will repeal the War Veterans Act and the Ex -Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees Act and take on board the previously excluded categories of the Veterans.
Added President Mnangagwa.
“I am confident that upon its enactment, most of the welfare issues of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle will be resolved. Recognising the immense contribution made by veterans of our liberation struggle, I urge them to build on this rich legacy by taking full advantage of the empowerment opportunities availed in all sectors of the economy and the implementation of the devolution policy” he added.
President Mnangagwa said the attainment of independence gave birth to the majority rule and the formation of ZDF and the integration of ZANLA and ZIPRA forces.
“The attainment of independence in 1980 signalled the advent of majority rule and the formation of the ZDF. The bringing together of ZANLA, ZIPRA forces on one side and the Rhodesian Forces on the other was a daunting and challenging exercise. I was privileged to chair the Joint Command for the integration of the three forces. Having fought for a united Zimbabwe, the formation of a unified defence force with a single purpose of defending our territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence was indeed a gratifying accomplishment,” added the President.
He sang praises for the ZDF who have recorded significant milestones since independence in 1980.
“This occasion is happening on the backdrop of successive accomplishments by our Defence Forces to defend our motherland The commemorations which we are holding this year under the theme, ‘ZDF: Celebrating 40 Years of Excellent Service to the People, ’ are taking place under yet another wave of aggression manifesting through illegal sanctions, hostile anti- Zimbabwe propaganda, mounted on social media platforms, and other forms of asymmetrical warfare meant to break the unity within our forces. Zimbabwe from detractors, divisive elements and enemies,” he said.
He further praised the ZDF for remaining calm and peaceful in the wake of misguided calls for violent protests and demonstrations by the opposition elements with support from foreign and civil society supporters and backers.
“You have shown your patriotism and love for peace and tranquillity. To the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, as a nation we take pride in you and we thank you for continuously defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity from all contemporary threats,” he said.
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