The Sunday News
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) has made a lot of progress in clearing landmines laid by the Rhodesian Regime during the liberation struggle which have killed and maimed a number of people as well as hinder development.
The President said this in a televised address to the nation, on the event of the 40th anniversary of the ZDF Day celebrations in the capital on Tuesday.
“The National Mine Clearance Unit of the Zimbabwe National Army Engineer Corps is also making significant progress in clearing anti-personnel landmines laid by the Rhodesian Regime during the liberation struggle. These include areas along the Sango Border Post to Crooks Corner Minefield. Government is committed to clear all landmines across the country to give full meaning to independence, freedom and development for the affected communities,” he said.
The ZNA is working with cooperating partners such as the Hazardous Life Support Organisation (HALO) Trust, Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) who are also progressing well in similar demining operations.
“Let me take this opportunity to express my Government’s sincere appreciation for the assistance we are getting from these organisations,” he said.
The President applauded the ZDF for their contribution in foreign missions where they have excelled.
“Whilst maintaining peace in the country, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces continue to participate in regional and international peace keeping missions under the auspices of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN).
Our officers, men and women of the ZDF perform their duties with excellence and unparalleled dedication, as they contribute towards enhancing regional and continental integration.
“In September 2019, the ZDF participated in the Ligwalagwala Air Show in Eswatini while preparations for participation in the Russian International Military Games and Special Forces Exercise CHOMELA to be held in the Republic of Botswana are at advanced stages. Their involvement in these international activities exposes our forces to the use of modern military equipment as well as strengthening ties between our forces and allies,” he said.
The Defence Forces were also commended in their participation during rescue missions in the aftermath of Cyclone Idai in Chimanimani in 2019.
“Additionally, memories of Cyclone Idai in 2019 bring to mind the Defence Forces’ significant role in search and rescue operations as well as provision of food and medical assistance to flood victims. They have also helped in restoring the damaged infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools and clinics.
‘All these activities demonstrate the commitment of the Defence Forces to serve the nation and the close relationship that exists between them and the generality of the Zimbabwean population. This rich history of assisting communities is commendable and must continue to be the hallmark of our Defence Forces. I commend the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for embracing my Government’s Vision of attaining an Upper Middle Income Economy by 2030. In that regard, the ZDF engineers and artisans are engaged in various construction projects to precipitate development of our communities throughout the country,” He said.
President Mnangagwa also paid tribute to late ZDFs decorated members who succumbed to covid-19 in recent weeks, saying the nation had suffered the loss of two senior members of the force.
The virus has so far claimed 104 Zimbabweans.
“Sadly, the virus has claimed some decorated members of the ZDF family in the name of Air Chief Marshal (Rtd) Perrance Shiri, who was a long time Commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe and Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement and the ZDF Director of Public Relations, Colonel Overson Mugwisi, among others. May their souls rest in eternal peace,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said there was need for all citizens to protect the nation during these trying times of the deadly pandemic.
“Our battle with Covid-19 pandemic requires discipline, bravery and unity which are embodied in the personalities we are celebrating today. We must be united and fight this invisible enemy together. It is our collective responsibility to protect our nation, our families and our beloved ones. As responsible citizens, let us all cooperate with our security services, assisted by the ZDF as they enforce our national laws. We commend the ZDF for continuing to be a people’s army, a reputation it has built over the years,” he added.
He also mentioned that there was a new 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 the ZDF.
However, the ZDF has continued to prove its mettle by remaining resolute and protecting the nation through these difficult times.
@NyembeziMu
