President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said his administration is committed to improving salaries and conditions of service for members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF).
Just like the rest of civil servants in the country, soldiers remain poorly remunerated.
Addressing the nation on the occasion of Zimbabwe’s 40th Defence Forces Day anniversary, President Mnangagwa said his government was concerned with the welfare of the military.
“I am aware of the sacrificial nature and service ethos of the defence forces, however, my administration remains determined to improve the salaries and conditions of service for our forces,” said Mnangagwa.
“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 his government had 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.
“Recognising the immense contribution made by veterans of our liberation struggle, I urge them to build on this rich legacy by taking full advantage of the empowerment opportunities availed in all sectors of the economy and the implementation of the devolution policy.
