President Delivers First Batch of 700 Vehicles to Defence Forces

GOVERNMENT remains committed to improving the welfare and working conditions of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) and the wider public service, with more vehicles set to be procured to boost mobility, President Mnangagwa has said on Monday.

The President, who is Commander-in-Chief of the ZDF, handed over 102 vehicles to senior army officers as part of their conditions of service.

In total, the ZDF is set to receive more than 700 vehicles, including buses to support both intra-city and inter-city transport. Before this latest handover, the President had already commissioned 54 staff and utility vehicles last year in Harare.

At the August Defence Forces Day commemorations, the President pledged to provide vehicles for senior officers. Yesterday’s commissioning marked a partial fulfilment of that promise, with the remainder of the vehicles expected by mid-next year.

“During this year’s celebrations of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day, I reiterated that the addressing of the welfare and conditions of service for our Defence Forces, including the entire public service, is an ongoing process.

“The vehicles I am commissioning today (yesterday) are under the first phase of a comprehensive programme that will see Government procuring vehicles, inclusive of buses, towards enhancing mobility across the rank and file of the ZDF,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said the allocation of vehicles was a strategic investment to help the country achieve its national development goals, including becoming an upper-middle-class economy by 2030.

He added that the initiative would also enable the Defence Forces to effectively carry out their constitutional duties.

“This includes in areas such as defending our national sovereignty and territorial integrity, advancing our national interests, infrastructure development, disaster response and management, among others.

“I am convinced that the strength of a nation lies in the agility, high state of efficiency, prowess and capability of the military and broader security architecture of our country,” he said.

The President commended the ZDF for maintaining peace and stability, which he described as vital for development, industrialisation, and modernisation.

“I take cognisance of your professionalism, unwavering dedication, loyalty and unflinching vigilance.

“Your collective efforts in maintaining peace are helping to create a conducive environment where capital and business, including small-to-medium enterprises, can feel safe to establish, thrive and flourish. Your role in making Zimbabwe a safe investment destination is applauded,” he said.

Looking ahead, President Mnangagwa said Government would continue equipping the military with modern tools and technologies to enhance its operations.

“I congratulate the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Finance and Investment Promotion and other stakeholders for putting up this timely scheme.

“Finally, to the recipients of the vehicles, I urge you to be responsible stewards. Take good care of these assets and use them for the intended purposes, while adding value to your respective offices, duty stations and the overall work of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces,” he said.

Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said it was encouraging that President Mnangagwa continued to champion initiatives that uplift the ZDF.

“The provision of vehicles is fundamental in improving the ZDF’s conditions of service,” she said.

ZDF Commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda said the consignment would go a long way in strengthening the Defence Forces.