“HOSTILE anti-Zimbabwe propaganda, mounted on social media platforms, and other forms of asymmetrical warfare meant to break the unity within our forces” will not succeed, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Tuesday.
Pushing back against the impact of online campaigns by Zimbabweans, alleging gross human rights violations in the country, Mnangagwa said the country was under attack an unrestrained misinformation onslaught.
“The commemorations which we are holding this year under the theme, ‘ZDF: Celebrating 40 Years of Excellent Service to the People,’ are taking place under yet another wave of aggression manifesting through illegal sanctions, hostile anti- Zimbabwe propaganda, mounted on social media platforms, and other forms of asymmetrical warfare meant to break the unity within our forces,” he said.
Mnangagwa vowed to improve the salaries and conditions of service for defence forces in recognition of the role and sacrifices made by the defence forces in conduct of their duties.
“My administration remains determined to improve the salaries and conditions of service for our Forces,” Mnangagwa said delivering his address in commemoration of the Zimbabwe Defence 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.”
With regard to the War Veterans Affairs, Mnangagwa said 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.
Mnangagwa said the Zimbabwe Defence Forces continues 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 (UN).
“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.
“In conclusion, I want to thank you all for joining the entire Zimbabwe Defence Forces family in commemorating this special day, the ZDF 40th Anniversary. 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,” he added.