And welcome to this live broadcast from Rufaro Stadium in Harare, where President Mnangagwa is presiding over the 46th Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations.
Today, the nation pauses to honour the men and women of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces--those who stand watch to safeguard the country's sovereignty, peace, and territorial integrity.
The commemorations are being held under the theme "ZDF: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030", and they bring together senior Government officials, military personnel, war veterans, traditional leaders, and members of the public.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, the President is expected to deliver the keynote address--setting the tone for a day of ceremony and reflection. The programme will also feature a military parade, displays, and entertainment by civilian groups, alongside other activities highlighting the capabilities and discipline of the ZDF.
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
These celebrations come after Monday's Heroes Day commemorations, which honoured Zimbabwe's liberation heroes and heroines--before turning our focus today to the Defence Forces' role in ensuring stability and progress.
The ZDF's story traces back to Independence in 1980, when former Rhodesian security forces were integrated with the liberation armies--ZANLA and ZIPRA--laying the foundation for a unified national defence institution.
And beyond its traditional mandate, the military has increasingly played a role in community assistance, disaster response, infrastructure development, and regional peace and security initiatives.
Now, I'm pleased to have you with us as we bring you live updates from Rufaro Stadium--our reporter Harmony Agere and chief photographer Believe Nyakudjara will be keeping a close eye on every moment of the day.
Stay with us. The ceremony begins--right here.
UPDATE :
UPDATE :
Service Chiefs arrive
Service Chiefs led by Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Emmanuel Matatu have arrived at Rufaro Stadium for Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day Celebrations.
UPDATE :
Vice Presidents Chiwenga, Mohadi arrives
Vice Presidents, Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Dr Kembo Mohadi, have arrived for the Defence Forces Day commemorations.
Their arrival follows that of Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who arrived moments earlier.
The two Vice Presidents exchanged warm greetings and welcomed fellow dignitaries before taking their seats in the VIP tent.
UPDATE :
President Mnangagwa arrives
Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces President Mnangagwa, accompanied by the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, has arrived at Rufaro Stadium.
This marks the beginning of the official programme.
UPDATE :
President Mnangagwa leads proceedings
On arrival, President Mnangagwa took the salute and participated in the singing of the National Anthem, as Air Force of Zimbabwe pilots conducted a fly-past in honour of the occasion.
The President was then joined by Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Emmanuel Matatu in inspecting the parade aboard the Akhmat armoured vehicle.
The Commander-in-Chief also witnessed the March Past in slow and quick time before taking his seat.
The official programme is now underway.
UPDATE :
ZDF to propel Vision 2030 through peace and security: Minister Muchinguri - Kashiri
Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri says the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) will continue playing a key role in advancing Vision 2030 through the promotion of peace, security and national development.
Speaking during the Defence Forces Day commemorations at Rufaro Stadium in Harare, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the ZDF was already complementing Government's development agenda through community-building initiatives, including the construction of school blocks and other public service facilities.
The Minister said the defence forces were also adapting to the changing security environment by acquiring new skills and embracing technology.
She said the measures would strengthen the ZDF's capacity to respond effectively to modern security threats while continuing to contribute to national development and the attainment of Vision 2030.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri also congratulated President Mnangagwa on Zimbabwe's successful election to the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member, describing the achievement as evidence of President Mnangagwa's commitment to peace.
The Minister acknowledged the presence of the Namibian Defence Forces and other sister Defence Forces.
She said the two countries continued to cherish cooperation as they discharged their respective mandates of maintaining peace and security, which are critical to achieving national development goals.
UPDATE :
President commends ZDF for reflecting aspirations of the nation
President Mnangagwa has commended the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) for remaining a true reflection of the wishes, aspirations and values of the Nation since Independence.
Giving his remarks during the 46th Defence Forces Day commemorations, President Mnangagwa said the men and women of the ZDF continued to uphold the values of those who fought in the liberation struggle.
"Following the attainment of our Independence in 1980, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces have remained a true reflection of the wishes, aspirations and values of our people," he said.
"46 years after Independence, the men and women of the ZDF continue to uphold and embody the values, principles and ideals of those who fought courageously in the liberation struggle."
President Mnangagwa said Government was consolidating strategic partnerships through defence collaborations implemented by the ZDF.
He said the partnerships were strengthening the country's capacity to safeguard national security while contributing to regional and international peace and stability.
The President said Government remained committed to building a professional, disciplined and loyal officer corps within the defence forces.
He said the country was also enhancing the application of science, technology and innovation in the ZDF in line with the demands of modern warfare and emerging security challenges.
"To this end, we remain committed to building a professional, disciplined and loyal officer corps within our Defence Forces," he said.
"We are also enhancing the application of science, technology and innovation in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, in line with the demands of modern warfare and emerging security challenges."
President Mnangagwa said the commemorations came as Zimbabwe continued to play its part in promoting international peace and security across the globe.
He said Government was accelerating the modernisation and re-equipping of the country's defence systems to ensure the ZDF remained capable of discharging its mandate.
UPDATE :
ZDF dazzles with military might, skill and colour
The thunder of military machinery, the roar of engines and the sight of soldiers descending from the skies transformed Rufaro Stadium into a spectacular display of Zimbabwe's military might as the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) showcased its hardware, skills and cultural diversity.
In a departure from the usual ceremonial drills, the ZDF rolled out some of its modern military equipment, giving the thousands gathered at the stadium a glimpse of the hardware at its disposal.
Armoured cars, tanks, anti-aircraft guns, rocket launchers and an assortment of other equipment slowly rumbled into view, immediately grabbing the attention of spectators.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Using a free lane in front of Rufaro's Vietnam stand, the imposing machines moved in a steady procession, with some of the heavy equipment being carried on lowbed trucks.
The sight of the military hardware moving through the stadium grounds provided a powerful demonstration of the strength and capability of the defence forces.
But the showcase was not all about guns, armour and machinery.
The ZDF engineering department also took its turn in the spotlight, demonstrating that behind the imposing hardware are specialised skills and technical expertise needed to keep the force moving.
Adding colour to the military spectacle was a celebration of Zimbabwe's cultural diversity.
Members of the defence forces proudly showcased different cultures and traditions, turning the occasion into a colourful tapestry of the identities that make up Zimbabwe.
And while the hardware demonstrated the strength of the military, academic graduates provided another important reminder -- the ZDF is not built on muscle and guns alone.
Books, education and knowledge also have a place within the institution, with academic achievements taking centre stage alongside military prowess.
The skies above Rufaro then became the final theatre of the spectacle as three sets of helicopters, small fighter planes and jets flew past the venue.
But the loud cheers went to paratroopers, showing off their diving and landing skills.
Dropping from 6 000 feet above, the skydivers competed to see who could land closest to the designated target, drawing excitement and cheers from the crowd.
From the rumble of tanks to the precision of paratroopers, and from engineering expertise to cultural and academic displays, the ZDF offered spectators far more than a military parade.
It was a colourful demonstration of strength, skill, discipline, knowledge and the diverse character of Zimbabwe.
