President Emmerson Mnangagwa, in a speech read by Manicaland Minister Misheck Mugadza at St Noah Stadium yesterday , Bocha Marange, hailed the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for protecting the nation’s sovereignty and urged them to adapt to modern threats like cyber-attacks, climate change, and pandemics. 🎖️🇿🇼 #ZDFDay2025 #Manicaland
By Fanuel Chinowaita
BOCHA MARANGE, 13 August 2025– President Emmerson Mnangagwa has commended the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, while urging them to adapt to emerging global challenges.
Speaking through Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Misheck Mugadza, who read his speech during the provincial celebrations at St Noah Stadium in Mafararikwa, Bocha Marange yesterday , the President paid tribute to the founding members of the ZDF drawn from ZANLA and ZIPRA.
“Our Defence Forces must remain a formidable, dependable and disciplined force… capable of addressing not only traditional military threats but also economic instability, climate change, cyber-attacks, pandemics and terrorism,” Mnangagwa said.
He praised the ZDF for their role in disaster response, such as flood rescues and humanitarian aid, as well as their involvement in community development projects and international peacekeeping missions under SADC, the African Union and the United Nations.
The President highlighted several milestones, including the declaration of Manicaland as a mine-free province, progress on the Manyame Air Force Base hospital, improved salaries, housing, and transport for service personnel, and the construction of monuments in Mozambique and Angola to honour liberation war heroes.
As part of the celebrations, outstanding officers and members of the ZDF including war veterans were honoured with medals in recognition of their long service, bravery, and dedication to duty. The medal presentation ceremony was met with applause from the crowd, as recipients marched forward to be decorated.
The day also featured several entertainment and arts groups, as well as the Zimbabwe National Army, its cadet group and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) band, performing for the cheering audience. Military parades and displays showcased the ZDF’s discipline, precision, and readiness.
Festivities ended with a lively soccer match between Mutare-based army side Buffaloes and Marange Select, which drew loud cheers and friendly banter from the packed stadium stands. The sporting event underscored the Defence Forces’ connection with communities beyond their military duties.
The Bocha Marange event drew hundreds of residents, traditional leaders, local officials, and service members. Mugadza, representing the Head of State, echoed the call for unity and reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting the ZDF in their mission to guarantee peace and stability for the attainment of Vision 2030.
Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day is commemorated annually to honour the military’s role in defending the nation’s sovereignty and contributing to national development.
