ZNA A Formidable Force Safeguarding Integrity, Sovereignty, Social & Economic Development.-Mugabe

President Robert Mugabe, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) has commended the defence forces for its role in being a formidable force that safeguards the country’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, social and economic development.

President Mugabe was speaking at the National Sports Stadium in Harare in his keynote address at the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations.

He paid homage to the Pakistan government for its military assistance which has always been available when needed.

President Mugabe  said currently the ZDF has military officers from Pakistan at the National Defence College and Thorn hill Air Base assisting with training.

President Mugabe also said the defence forces guarantees peace and stability adding that this year’s celebrations are being held under theme: ‘ZDF: Consistent in Defence of National Sovereignty, Social and Economic Development’.

“Since 1980, the ZDF has grown into a reputable force capable of safeguarding our independence and territorial integrity,” said President Mugabe.

Mugabe said the ZDF does assist needy communities, adding that they have over the years assisted in the flooding situations in Mashonaland Central and other provinces.
He said the defence forces have a social responsibility programme targeting the disadvantaged – building clinics, schools and roads, adding that currently, the army is constructing a clinic in Chingwizi benefitting villagers displaced by Tokwe-Mukosi floods.

Internationally, President Mugabe said the ZDF continues to do the nation proud through numerous operations, for instance, the Operation Sovereign Legitimacy in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the late 90s to the early 2000s.

“Recently the ZDF were successful when deployed in Lesotho as an observer mission following disturbances in the mountain kingdom,” Mugabe said.

The President said plans are at an advantaged stage to host a special forces training programme from the 24th of August to the 26th of September this year code-named ‘Exercise Mahombekombe’ to be held in Kariba.

The Commander-in-Chief of the ZDF also said the force is also engaged in military students exchange programmes with countries in the region.

He revealed that the National Defence College with be turned into a fully-independent university by the end of this year.

President Mugabe said the defence force cherishes the support it gets from communities and various institutions. – Source: zbc