Zimbabwe celebrates Defence Forces Day

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is pledging more efforts to improve the competencies of the country's army.

At an event to celebrate Zimbabwe's 38th Defence Forces Day, President Mnangagwa acknowledged the critical role of the country's Defence Forces in safeguarding national security and maintaining peace since independence.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa delivers his speech during Zimbabwe Defense Forces Day in Harare, Tuesday, Aug, 14, 2018. [Photo: China Plus]

"You have indeed remained a sources of inspiration and national pride throughout the thirty-eight years of existence and operations. While you have maintained peace and security in this country, at the same time you have contributed to global peace, security and harmony through your involvement in regional and international peace-keeping missions," Mnangagwa said.

Mnangagwa also hailed the military's role in promoting social development such as constructing schools, hospitals and bridges as well as curbing corruption, illegal border crossings and smuggling.

He said more training programs including those offered by foreign countries will be carried out to improve Defence competencies.

"To widen the scope of ZDF competencies, officers have continued to undertake training programs offered by other countries. The ZDF currently has a contingent of officers and men participating in the Russian International Military Games", which are being hosted by the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, China and Belarus. International military interactions of this natre, are critical in improving the operational capacities of the ZDF as well as its image at the world stage," Mnangagwa noted.

Members of the army go through their drills during Zimbabwe Defense Forces Day in Harare, Tuesday, Aug, 14, 2018.[Photo: China Plus]

As the commander-in-chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Mnangagwa is promising to improve service conditions in the military.

" My administration is committed to progressively and comprehensively addressing the Conditions of Service of our Defence Forces, inclusive of their housing needs as the economy improves. My administration will also pay attention to the re-equipping our Forces, whose equipment in some instances dates back to 30 years," Mnangagwa said.

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces are composed of the Zimbabwe National Army and the Air Force of Zimbabwe.

Defence Forces Days falls on the second Tuesday of August.