Zimbabwe today honors the brave men and women of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and ensuring peace and tranquillity. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, as the Commander in Chief of the ZDF, will preside over the Defence Forces Day celebrations at the National Sports Stadium, where he will inspect the Guard of Honour.
While the crucial role of the ZDF is often taken for granted, especially during peacetime, their contributions go beyond the battlefield. They are frequently seen in action during social responsibility programs, such as building clinics and schools, and during emergency situations like Cyclone Eline, where they rescued stranded citizens. Today, Zimbabweans proudly pay tribute to these gallant sons and daughters of the soil.
The ZDF has played a pivotal role in restoring stability in Zimbabwe, notably during Operation Restore Legacy (ORL), which ushered in the New Dispensation. This operation marked a turning point for the nation, bringing Zimbabwe back from the brink after criminals had surrounded the former President, Robert Mugabe. In the face of violent protests on 1 August 2018 and 14 January 2019, the ZDF stepped in to assist the police in quelling threats to national security.
Recently, the ZDF has maintained a strong public presence to ensure the safety of visiting Heads of State and Government during the SADC Summit, countering attempts by unscrupulous elements in the opposition to disrupt the event with violent protests. Their vigilance has been crucial in preserving peace and tranquillity across the country.
Zimbabweans express their deep appreciation for the men and women in uniform, who stand as the last line of defence against neo-imperial powers with vested interests in the country’s affairs. Today, the nation salutes the ZDF for their unwavering commitment to the safety and security of Zimbabwe. #Salute!!!
