Preparations for the 46th Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day commemorations are at an advanced stage, with the country’s defence establishment ready to showcase its capabilities, professionalism and contribution to national development.
The commemorations will be held next Tuesday at Rufaro Stadium, in Harare, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), in attendance as guest of honour.
Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, yesterday, highlighted that all arrangements for the event were in place and urged Zimbabweans to turn out in large numbers to celebrate the country’s defence forces.
She said the commemorations would be held under the theme, “Nyika inodzivirirwa nevene vayo”, emphasising the collective responsibility of citizens in safeguarding Zimbabwe’s peace, security and territorial integrity.
“The main commemorations will be held at Rufaro Stadium where President Mnangagwa will be the guest of honour,” Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said.
Similar celebrations will take place in all 10 provinces under the leadership of Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution.
The main event is expected to feature military parades, drills and ceremonial displays by the ZDF, alongside performances by local artistes.
Security arrangements have also been strengthened to ensure the safety of members of the public attending the commemorations.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said one of the major highlights would be President Mnangagwa’s address, which is expected to outline the defence forces’ role in protecting national sovereignty while supporting the country’s development agenda.
The ZDF will also demonstrate their operational preparedness through various military drills and displays designed to highlight discipline, professionalism and combat readiness.
As part of the afternoon programme, a football match pitting a ZDF select side against the Namibian Defence Forces team will be played at Rufaro Stadium.
The Defence Forces Day celebrations follow the annual ZDF Community Assistance Week, which runs from August 3 to 7 and demonstrates the military’s wider contribution to communities.
During the programme, the defence forces have been handing over completed community projects, including schools and other public infrastructure, across the country’s 10 provinces.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the ZDF’s role had evolved beyond traditional national defence responsibilities, with the institution increasingly contributing to socio-economic development and humanitarian programmes.
She said the defence forces continued to play a critical role in disaster response, infrastructure development, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, landmine clearance and international peacekeeping operations.
The minister also commended serving and retired members of the defence forces, together with their families, for their dedication and sacrifices in serving the nation.
She said continuous training, military education and adherence to professional standards remained central to maintaining an effective and disciplined defence force.
“Professionalism is reinforced through continuous training, military education, and strict adherence to the regulatory framework,” she said.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri added that international military cooperation remained important in strengthening professional standards through the exchange of expertise and experiences.
Meanwhile, the ZDF is enhancing its preparedness to respond to emerging security threats, including cybercrime, terrorism, organised crime and climate-related disasters.
The ministry is investing in specialised training, modern technologies and regional cooperation initiatives to strengthen the defence forces’ capacity to respond to evolving threats.
The measures are expected to ensure that the ZDF remain prepared to safeguard Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while continuing to support national development initiatives.
