(New Ziana)-President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday
promised to improve the remuneration, welfare and conditions of service for
members of the country’s defence forces.
In his virtual address to mark 40th Anniversary of the
Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), President Mnangagwa commended the security
forces for performing their duties with excellence and unparalleled dedication.
“I am aware of the sacrificial nature and service ethos of
the Defence Forces, however, my administration remains determined to improve
the salaries and conditions of service for our Forces. Housing, transport and
medical facilities among other requirements are being improved in recognition
of the role and sacrifices made by our Defence Forces in the conduct of their
duties.
“Mobility, requisite training equipment and Research and
Development needs will be equally funded to ensure the modernisation and
improvement of our national defence capabilities,” he said adding Government
had the same intentions for veterans of the liberation struggle.
“With regard to the War Veterans Affairs, my Government has
resuscitated the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Bill which has now gone
past the Second Reading Stage in Parliament. The passing of the Veterans of the
Liberation Struggle Bill into Law will repeal the War Veterans Act and the Ex
-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees Act and take on board the
previously excluded categories of the Veterans.
“I am confident that upon its enactment, most of the
welfare issues of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle will be resolved,” he
said.
The President accused the opposition of conniving with
foreigners to foment violent protests.
“Thank you, once again for remaining calm and peaceful in
the wake of some misguided calls for violent protests and demonstrations by the
opposition elements with support from foreign and civil society supporters and
backers. You have shown your patriotism and love for peace and tranquillity.
“To the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, as a nation we take pride in you and we thank
you for continuously defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity from
all contemporary threats,” he said.
President Mnangagwa applauded the ZDF for maintaining peace
and security in the country.
“In executing its constitutional mandate, the ZDF has since
its formation acquitted itself with distinction and high professionalism and
for this they deserve a big compliment. Zimbabwe has continued to enjoy peace
largely attributable to the ZDF`s vigilance, loyalty, commitment and dedication
to their constitutional obligation of defending the country and its people.
“The resultant peace and tranquillity has provided a great
stimulus for socio-economic development over the years. Whilst maintaining
peace in the country, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces continue to participate in
regional and international peace keeping missions under the auspices of the
Southern African Development Community (SADC), African Union (AU) and the
United Nations,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the ongoing fight against Covid-19
requires military –like discipline by all citizens especially with regards to
observing national lockdown regulations meant to slow the spread of the virus.
“Our battle with Covid-19 pandemic requires discipline,
bravery and unity which are embodied in the personalities we are celebrating
today. We must be united and fight this invisible enemy together. It is our
collective responsibility to protect our nation, our families and our beloved
ones.
“As responsible citizens, let us all cooperate with our
security services, assisted by the ZDF as they enforce our national laws. We
commend the ZDF for continuing to be a people’s army, a reputation it has built
over the years,” he said.
Sadly, Covid-19s has claimed some members of the ZDF such
as Air Chief Marshal (Rtd) Perrance Shiri, who was a long time Commander of the
Air Force of Zimbabwe and Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural
Resettlement and Page 5 of 11 the ZDF Director of Public Relations, Colonel
Overson Mugwisi, among others, President Mnangagwa said.
To date, Zimbabwe has recorded 4 748 confirmed cases
including 104 deaths.
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