by Chantelle Muzanenhamo
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed that Zimbabwe will never compromise its legitimate rights, interests, or peace, as the nation celebrated 45 years of Defence Forces Day at Rufaro Stadium on Tuesday.
Addressing thousands of citizens, senior government officials, and military personnel, the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) paid tribute to the armed forces for safeguarding national sovereignty and called for heightened vigilance in the face of emerging global challenges.
“Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy of none. However, as an independent and sovereign country, we will never sacrifice our legitimate rights and interests or our peace and security,” Mnangagwa said.
“Colonial oppression and the liberation struggle exposed us to the brutality that comes from war and conflict. Our commitment to national, regional, and continental peace, and to a peaceful international order anchored on equality of nations, is unshakeable,” he added
The President praised the ZDF’s role in peacekeeping missions under the auspices of SADC, the African Union, and the United Nations, while urging the forces to expand their capabilities beyond traditional defence to address threats such as economic instability, cyber-attacks, pandemics, terrorism, and climate change.
He also commended the ZDF’s community-focused work, including disaster response, border control, combating drug abuse, and delivering social infrastructure.
Highlighting progress in humanitarian demining, Mnangagwa announced that only 4% of Zimbabwe’s original 850km minefields remain uncleared, with Manicaland Province declared mine-free after the completion of the Rusitu–Muzite Mission minefield in December 2024.
“I congratulate the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for a job well done. Makorokoto. Amhlophe,” he said, thanking international humanitarian partners for their support.
Meanwhile IN her remarks, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri saluted the ZDF’s dedication to protecting Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, noting that the forces are upgrading capabilities to respond to both traditional and non-traditional threats.
She highlighted the revival of Zimbabwe Defence Industries, military-run farms contributing to food security, and plans to launch a construction services unit for public projects. The minister also praised the Community Assistance Programme, which delivered new schools, clinics, and infrastructure in partnership with communities and well-wishers ahead of the commemorations.
Muchinguri-Kashiri linked the ZDF’s development role to President Mnangagwa’s philosophy: “Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo / ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekwe ngabanikazi balo”, and Africa’s Agenda 2063 goal of “silencing the guns.”
As Zimbabwe marked 45 years of honouring its Defence Forces, the celebrations were not only a tribute to the liberation legacy, but also a declaration that the ZDF remains both the nation’s shield of peace and an engine of development.