Only 4% Mines Remain uncleared

President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Comrade Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, hailed the ZDF for their remarkable progress in demining efforts, moving Zimbabwe closer to becoming a mine-free country.

President Mnangagwa revealed that only 4% of Zimbabwe’s land remains contaminated by landmines, highlighting the milestone achievement of completing mine clearance in Manicaland Province in 2024. “We have made significant strides towards becoming a mine-free country,” the President stated, congratulating the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for a job well done. “Makorokoto. Amhlophe.”

The President expressed gratitude to development partners and international humanitarian demining organizations whose financial and material support has been vital to the success of the programme. He assured that the government will continue to capacitate the ZDF’s National Mine Clearance Unit to sustain and accelerate these efforts.

President Mnangagwa underscored the importance of the Defence Forces’ broader role beyond traditional military duties, including their involvement in social responsibility and humanitarian activities such as demining, which directly contribute to national peace, security, and socio-economic development.

The successful demining in Manicaland marks a critical step in reclaiming land previously rendered unsafe, enabling communities to resume agricultural activities and economic development in affected areas.

This aligns with the Defence Forces’ theme for the year: “Zimbabwe Defence Forces: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030.”

The President also highlighted the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ ongoing engagements in international peacekeeping and training exchanges with various countries and regional bodies including SADC and the African Union, reinforcing the country’s commitment to regional security and cooperation.

Zimbabwe moves towards a mine-free status, the government continues to prioritize capacity building, equipment modernization, and welfare improvements for the Defence Forces to maintain operational readiness and effectiveness in both national and international roles.

The 45th ZDF anniversary celebrations also reflected on the history and legacy of the Defence Forces, saluting their dedication in safeguarding Zimbabwe’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity since 1980.