President Mugabe Speaks: Zimbabwe Defense Forces A Reliable Pillar Of Government

Republic of Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe opens the national parliament on September 6, 2011. The president's legislative agenda was discussed in his address., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

ZDF a reliable pillar of Government

August 14, 2013
Opinion & Analysis
Zimbabwe Herald

Speech by his Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Comrade Robert Gabriel Mugabe, GCZM, on the occasion of the 33rd Anniversary of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day, National Sports Stadium, August 13 2013.Honourable Vice-President, Comrade Joyce Teurai Ropa Mujuru, Honourable Minister of Defence, Honourable Ministers here present, Secretary for Defence, Comrade Martin Rushwaya, Commander Defence Forces, General Constantine Guvheya Chiwenga, Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant General Philip Valerio Sibanda, Commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe, Air Marshal Perrance Shiri, Commissioner General of Police, Comrade Augustine Chihuri, Commissioner of Prisons, Retired Major-General Paradzai Zimondi, Chief of the Namibian Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Ndaitwah, Senior Government Officials here present, Senior Army, Air Force, Police and Prison Officers here present, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Invited Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Comrades and Friends.

It is a great honour for me to join the pomp and fanfare that are today part of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ 33rd anniversary celebrations. Indeed, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces have every reason to celebrate in style considering the fact that Zimbabwe has been one of the most peaceful nations in the region and on the African continent since our attainment of independence in 1980.

Such peace was not just natural but a product of the professional ability of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to undertake their constitutional mandate of safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity over its land and air space. It is, therefore, surprising that some misguided fellow countrymen, at the behest of their Western allies, blatantly disregard the good work done by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in maintaining peace and tranquillity in the country.

They disguise this by demanding what they call “Security Sector Reform” when it is obvious the enemy’s real ploy is to dilute the efficiency of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

These celebrations are thus an appeal to all peace-loving Zimbabweans to resist the enemy’s strategy. It is imperative for us always to work hand-in-glove with our defence forces, more so given the renewed neo-colonial advances by our erstwhile colonisers.

The 33rd anniversary of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces is being held under the theme “Zimbabwe Defence Forces in Defence of National Sovereignty, Social and Economic Development.” The theme is more relevant to the country as we travel the crucial path of consolidating the gains of our hard-won independence through the total economic emancipation of our people under the motto “Indigenise, Empower, Develop and Employ.”

In spite of the demonisation that we have endured over the past 13 years under the West’s regime change agenda in conjunction with their local allies, they have failed to frustrate our noble efforts and determination to consolidate our economic independence through the total control of our natural resources. The indigenisation and empowerment drive will continue unabated in order to ensure that indigenous Zimbabweans enjoy a larger share of the country’s resources.

Now that the people of Zimbabwe have granted us a resounding mandate in the governance of the country, we will do everything in our power to ensure that our objective of total indigenisation, empowerment, development and employment is realised. This is our final phase of implementing the ideals of the liberation struggle, which started with the attainment of political independence in 1980, which was followed by the indigenisation of the land that was largely owned by the minority settler white community for nearly a century.

May I, therefore, extend to all Zimbabweans, my hearty congratulations for voting peacefully and showing our foreign detractors that our destiny lies in our hands.

May I also thank you most sincerely for bringing to an end the unproductive inclusive Government and for restoring your confidence in the Zanu-PF Government.

Contrary to what our critics believe, the indigenisation programme is not peculiar to Zimbabwe as it has also been successfully implemented in various other countries.

Surprisingly though, it has not drawn the hype and demonisation that it has done in this country. Our position as the Zimbabwean Government is to pursue this beneficial policy to its successful conclusion. I am happy to note that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces have remained vigilant and resolute in defence of the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests that include our natural resources.

Security is a basic need that varies from the individual to the national level. Over the last 33 years, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces have developed their capacity and capability to provide the much-needed national security that has made them the envy of many. It is in this regard that members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces have rendered complementary support to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in their border control operations to curb illegal border crossing and smuggling of goods.

Similar support has also been rendered to the ZRP at Chiadzwa diamond fields to curb illegal diamond panning and associated illicit dealings.

As we might be aware, Zimbabwe is a State Party of the Ottawa Convention on Anti-Personnel Landmines, which we ratified in 1999. The Convention brings together all states that have problems of landmines.

Zimbabweans will recall that since independence, the country has grappled with the scourge of anti-personnel landmines that were laid by the Smith regime along our borders with Mozambique and Zambia.

The need to clear these landmines saw us join the Ottawa Convention, which, among other obligations, required us to clear most landmines within our territory within 10 years of our joining the Convention, that is, by 2009. However, due to the costly nature of landmine clearance and the unavailability of resources on our part, Zimbabwe could not meet this deadline.

Consequently we had to seek and were granted three successive extensions, with the latest 24-month extension granted in November last year. In pursuit of this objective of meeting our deadline, members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces have been tirelessly working on the clearance of landmines along our border with Mozambique.

Relatively slow progress has been registered on the Sango Border Post to Crook’s Corner minefield owing to limited available resources.

In a bid to quicken up the process of clearing the landmines, the Ministry of Defence contracted two international de-mining non-governmental organisations, which will complement the military de-miners’ efforts.

One of the NGOs has already started work while the other one is set to start soon after its logistical arrangements are in place. Landmines have continued to be a menace to the communities living around the minefields and a hindrance to their access to the productive use of their land. In addition to the work they undertook on the Sango Border Post to Crook’s Corner minefield, members of the Zimbabwe National Army Engineer Demining Squadron also cleared landmines on approximately 2 400 square metres of land at Kariba Power Station from March to May 2013.

The task was carried out to pave way for the expansion of the Kariba South Power Station. The cleared land has been handed over to the Zimbabwe Power Company for their expansion project. The Zimbabwe Defence Forces also conducted numerous community assistance projects throughout the country, the most notable ones being the rehabilitation of the Tangwena Road in Nyanga, the construction of Murongwe Primary School in Dande, construction of two classroom blocks at Mbizo High School in Kwekwe, Nyakasikana Primary School in Beatrice and Nyazani River Bridge in Matabeleland South.

Such projects demonstrate the intimate and harmonious relations that exist between the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the entire Zimbabwean community which go a long way in alleviating the social problems that the communities may be facing. At the same time, they demonstrate what the Zimbabwe Defence Forces are capable of doing during peacetime.

In addition to these, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces also assisted civil authorities in various capacities which include the provision of helicopters to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for the referendum, search and rescue operations for marooned villagers and fishermen in Gokwe, Beitbridge, along Save and Mutirikwi rivers, and the secondment of 100 Central Vehicle Registry staff in Chiendambuya, Makoni District.

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces also rendered similar assistance to other organisations such as the Zimbabwe Parachute Association in Kariba, Natbrew Castle Tankard, OK Grand Challenge and the Zimbabwe Tourism International Carnival.

On the regional front, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces participated in joint regional training exercises NINGOSILE, HIGHLANDER and DESERT THUNDER that were held in Zambia, Lesotho and Namibia respectively. The importance of such joint training exercises cannot be over-emphasised as they promote much-needed co-operation, togetherness and oneness.

It is only through such initiatives that the region will be able to bust the imperialists’ divide-and-rule tactics. Such initiatives are continuing for the development of our defence forces.

The planning process for a Special Forces Training Exercise to be held in Namibia is under way while a Joint Riverine Operation is also being planned amongst Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

In the same vein, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces hosted a three-day Sadc Inter-State Defence and Security Committee (ISDSC) Human Resources Working Group meeting from May 21-23 2013, and another four-day TROIKA meeting on military health in Kariba, from June 3-7 2013. All these meetings were meant to enhance the implementation of military co-operation within the region.

In the area of training, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces fulfilled all its planned training programmes at its various military training establishments. These included the Junior Staff Course, Joint Command and Staff Course and the recently introduced National Defence Course that is being run at the National Defence College, to mention just a few.

The inaugural National Defence Course is a national strategic planning course that is critical to the national security development of this country. The first intake of the National Defence Course is due to graduate on August 30 2013. In addition to the local courses, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces has also sent officers, men and women for external courses to countries such as Tanzania, China, Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, Malaysia, Greece and Zambia.

This ensured the enhancement of efficiency and proficiency within the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

Similarly, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces also offered training vacancies to students from regional defence forces at its military training establishments. Countries that have benefited include Namibia, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia. Over and above these training courses, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces also managed to sponsor its members to enrol in various civilian courses at various institutions throughout the country.

Conditions of service for the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, like those of other civil servants, have remained below expectations, considering that their salaries and allowances fall below the Poverty Datum Line.

Transport, accommodation and personal kitting are also far below the establishment holdings. Inadequate housing also remains a major challenge for the Zimbabwe Defence Forces despite efforts being made to address the issue through construction projects at Dzivaresekwa, Khumalo and the Zimbabwe Military Academy, which have been negatively affected by poor funding.

Over the past 10 years, the fact that the Government has been battling illegal sanctions from the West has resulted in inadequate budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Defence and the entire Defence Forces establishments.

The Defence Forces have, however, remained resolute and focused on their constitutional role of defending the nation despite these challenges. Government will continue to pursue possible ways of alleviating these challenges with a view to improving the situation. In addition to the considerable efforts being made to address the issue of institutional accommodation for members of the Defence Forces, similar efforts have also been made in order to alleviate their personal accommodation problems.

In this regard, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Benefit Fund (ZDF BF) has strengthened its engagement with local authorities throughout the country. Some of the completed houses have already been handed over to beneficiaries by the Honourable Minister of Defence in Gweru and Redcliff.

In conclusion, allow me to thank the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for having been such a reliable pillar of our Government throughout the 33 years of independence and for ensuring peace and tranquillity during that period. I wish them well as they proceed with their celebrations, and better circumstances in their future assignments.

Congratulations and Happy 33rd Anniversary to you.

I thank you.

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Zimbabwe President Mugabe Confers 1,250 Medals to ZDF Personnel

PRESIDENT Mugabe inspects a parade in the company of Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantine Guveya Chiwenga during the 31st ZDF Day celebrations at the National Sports Stadium in Harare August 10, 2011., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

1 250 defence forces officers get medals

August 14, 2013
Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter
Zimbabwe Herald

President Mugabe yesterday conferred 1 250 Zimbabwe Defence Forces officers with medals after they distinguished themselves as principled, loyal and dedicated members since they were attested into the force.The Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the ZDF made the conferment yesterday at the National Sports Stadium during the 33rd ZDF day.

Paraded before the President for conferment yesterday were 20 representatives of a sample of recipients whose medals were in three categories – the Commander of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit, Officer of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit and Member of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit.

This was done in terms of Section 3 (1) of Warrant 1 of 1981 as published under Statutory Instrument 197A of 1981.

Giving the citation, Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa said the officers participated beyond reproach in various assignments.

“Now therefore before Your Excellence, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Head of State and Government and Grandmaster of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit, may it please you to adorn the following,” said Minister Mnangagwa to applause from the crowd as he presented the recipients to the President.

Minister Mnangagwa lauded the recipients for commitment to their work.

“They participated actively, persistently and consistently in the Mozambique and DRC campaigns and their unfailing devotion and commitment to duty greatly contributed in making the Zimbabwe National Army an efficient and renowned organisation that it is today,” said Minister Mnangagwa.

“Their resilience and endurance skills have greatly contributed towards the well-being of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. Despite all the hardships and challenges faced by the organisation, the members persevered and remained resolute in pursuit of the ZDF mandate.”

Those conferred held ranks of Colonel, Group Captain, Lieutenant Colonel, Wing Commander, Major, Squadroom leader, Warrant Officers Class 1 and 2.

Minister Mnangagwa said in addition to their primary role of defending the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security, the ZDF was also carrying their secondary roles with the same zeal and sense of unity of purpose.

“To this end the ZDF runs a vibrant community assistance programme, whose main objective is to assist less privileged communities while at the same time complementing Government’s efforts in the provision of social amenities and alleviation of poverty,” he said.

ZDF, said Minister Mnangagwa, has joined hands with communities in construction and rehabilitation of schools, clinics, roads and bridges among other projects.

Yesterday’s event was also attended by Namibia Defence Forces chief, Lieutenant General Epaphras Ndaitwah.

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Zimbabwe Defense Forces Are For Every Citizen, Says Commander Chiwenga

The Commander of the Defence Forces, Constatine Chiwenga, congratulates President Robert Mugabe, during the inauguration ceremony at State House in Harare, Zimbabwe, Sunday, June, 29, 2008., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

ZDF is for every citizen: Chiwenga

August 14, 2013
Innocent Ruwende Senior Reporter

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces is apolitical and mandated to defend Zimbabweans regardless of their political affiliation, ZDF commander, General Constantine Chiwenga has said.

He slammed some politicians for trying to paint a picture that the army was political.“That is madness, it is not correct that the ZDF meddle in politics. The ZDF are there to defend every Zimbabwean regardless of their political dispensation,” Gen Chiwenga said in an interview on the sidelines of the defence forces celebrations at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.

On security sector reforms, Gen Chiwenga said there was no need for reform since this was done soon after independence when three armies – Zanla, Zipra and the Rhodesian forces were integrated into a single army.

He said those calling for security sector reform now were advancing the agenda of regime change.

“There is nothing to reform. To satisfy who? And gain what?” asked Gen Chiwenga adding, “In 1980 we were three armies in this country. We integrated Zanla and Zipra forces with the Rhodesian army, that is when we reformed,” he said.

Gen Chiwenga hailed the defence forces for maintaining peace in the country and for courage and patience during hard times caused by the imposition of illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe by Britain and its allies.

The nation, he said, was supportive of ZDF and urged the forces to keep up the good job they were doing in maintaining peace. He said since the elections were over, it was time for Zimbabweans to unite and focus their minds and efforts to reconstruct and build the country.

Namibian Defence Forces commander Lieutenant General Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah hailed the relations that exist between the two armies. “ZDF and the Namibian Defence Forces are like sisters, we all shed blood during the liberation struggle and in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” he said. “It created a strong bond I am extremely delighted to be at this event.”

Air Force of Zimbabwe commander Air Marshall Perrance Shiri spoke of the importance of the defence forces days and said the air force has been effective and has managed to produce its own spares as well as service sophisticated equipment in the face of sanctions.

Outgoing Deputy PM Arthur Mutambara said the day was important for the country.

“National sovereignty must be defended, national interest must be defended, and peace must be defended. As we do so let us do so together. It is not a day to be against each other. All Zimbabweans must participate,” he said.

Chief of staff (joint operations and planning) Maj-Gen Nicholas Dube said: “The military is there to save the nation. This country’s independence was not given on a silver platter but some people shed blood for it, so Zimbabweans should remain resolute.”

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Thousands Mark Defense Forces Day In Zimbabwe

President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe with his military forces. The ruling ZANU-PF party negotiated with the opposition to form a national unity government in Harare., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Thousands mark Defence Forces Day

August 14, 2013

THOUSANDS of people flocked to various centres countrywide to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces yesterday.

The main event was held at the giant National Sport Stadium in Harare. The celebrations began with the arrival of the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces President Mugabe around 11 am and a fly-past by four Air Force of Zimbabwe jets in a diamond formation while the national anthem was being played.

The President then inspected a guard of honour and delivered his key note address articulating how the indigenisation policy will set the tone for the country’s socio-economic transformation.

After delivering his speech the President joined services chiefs, high ranking government officials and diplomats among others to watch the defence forces performing their drills and displays. The national annual event is special in that soldiers and airmen are honoured for the work they do in maintaining peace and tranquillity in the country.

It is also a day when members of the public have the chance to see how the forces operate and the sacrifices that went into liberating Zimbabwe.

A carnival atmosphere engulfed the giant stadium as both members of the national army and airmen thrilled the crowds with captivating drills and displays. The crowd respondent by cheering the defence forces sterling performances.

The major attraction was parachute displays by the ZDF.

The crowd erupted into frenzy when the paratroopers showcased their skills while the quick and slow marches were also a marvel.

The crowd sang along to Nzira Dzemasoja, the song translated from a composition by leader of the Chinese revolution General Mao tse Tung, and which was the code of conduct for guerillas during the liberation struggle.

The AFZ traditional dance group left the crowd clamouring for more after showcasing their energetic dancing prowess.

Popular musicians Alick Macheso and Suluman Chimbetu put the ice on the cake with a sterling performance that mesmerized the crowd.

Also present at the NSS were outgoing Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, ZDF commander General Constantine Chiwenga, AFZ commander Air Marshall Perrance Shiri, Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri and Zimbabwe Prison Services Commissioner Major General (Retired) Paradzayi Zimondi.

In Mashonaland Central thousands of residents thronged Chipadze Stadium in Bindura to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the ZDF.

The activities began mid-morning with soldiers from the Artillery Brigade marching through the streets of the high density suburbs of Chipadze and Aerodrome to the stadium with residents and children following behind to witness the procession.

At the stadium people started trickling in around 11am with various groups providing entertainment.

Officer commanding Mashonaland Central province Assistant Commissioner Lee Muchemwa, Artillery Brigade deputy commander Colonel Rantham Moyo and ZPS officer in charge Bindura Chief Superintendent John Musinachirevo arrived in the afternoon before the arrival of provincial governor and resident minister Advocate Martin Dinha.

The national anthem was played followed by the inspection of the parade by Governor Dinha.

He then read President Mugabe’s speech mid-afternoon.

After the reading of the speech the parade marched off the parade square.

The soldiers then provided entertainment in the form of mass displays and music from the brigade’s mass band.

More than 20 000 people attended the Defence Forces’ Day commemorations at Sakubva Stadium in Mutare. Manicaland Governor Chris Mushohwe read the presidential speech which was well received by those in attendance. Spectacular displays by members of the uniformed forces, especially the army and the police, lit up the day.

Mock war battles captivated many while a host of dance groups kept people on the edges of their seats.

Those interviewed during the
commemorations hailed the uniformed forces for maintaining peace during the just ended harmonised elections.

They said security was the biggest asset the country has for it ensures the development and growth of all sectors of the economy.

“Naturally bad apples are found within the police force but we would like to give them many thanks for maintaining peace in the country. The Zimbabwean police force is very effective especially in crime detection and making arrests.

Keep up the good work,” said Mrs Chatora from Chikanga high density suburb. Mr Denford Zingeyi from Sakubva said there was need to teach children on the functions of the uniformed forces so that they become responsible citizens who uphold the law.

The commemorations were wrapped up with a soccer match between ZPS side Tenax and ZNA outfit Buffaloes.

In Masvingo there was a high turn-out at Mucheke Stadium where Governor and Resident Minister Titus Maluleke officiated.

Entertainment was provided by the army who did quick and slow march drills, mock battles much to the applause of the appreciative crowd.

Mutimurefu Prison inmates kept the crowd spellbound with their mouth watering traditional dances before a soccer match between the police and an army soccer team in the afternoon.

Acting 4 Infantry Brigade Commander Colonel Gift Murahwa applauded people of Masvingo for joining hands with the ZDF in commemorating the Defence Forces Day.

He said community projects had cemented relationship between society and the army
In Chinhoyi, thousands of people converged at Chinhoyi Stadium where the main Defence Forces day celebrations for Mashonaland West Province were being held.

Outgoing Governor and Resident Minister Faber Chidarikire inspected a guard of honour mounted by the AFZ and the ZNA before reading the President’s speech.

The bumper crowd that packed Chinhoyi stadium was kept entertained by displays from the mounted regiment, the AFZ dog displays and gun drills.

However, the horse drills and games by the mounted regiment based at Inkomo proved very popular with the crowd followed by gun drills which left some scurrying for cover.

They were later treated to a soccer match pitting the ZPS and the police.

In Mashonaland East people turned out in huge numbers to commemorate the Defence Forces Day at Rudhaka Stadium in Marondera.

Mashonaland East Governor and Resident Minister, Cde Aeneas Chigwedere who officiated at the ceremony inspected the guard of honour and read President Robert Mugabe’s speech.

The crowd was treated to marches, displays from the army and music from the ZPS.
The ZPS band was outstanding in entertainment with the military and dance teams thrilling the crowd.

The band sang Macheso, Simon Chimbetu and Suluman Chimbetu’s song Shawn Timba which saw the crowd chanting praises and singing along.

ZPS’s St Thomas Prison traditional team and drummer Mr Douglas Vambe also impressed many.

In Bulawayo, the celebrations were at White City Stadium. People from all walks of life, including senior civil servants and Zanu-PF cadres, started trickling into the stadium at around 8am, three hours before the start of the main programme.

The guest of honour, Cde Cain Mathema, who is the outgoing Governor of Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, arrived at 11am accompanied by One Brigade Commander Brigadier General Thomas Moyo and Deputy Commander of Bulawayo District Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Patrick Muyambuki.

Proceedings started with the singing of the national anthem after which Governor Mathema inspected the guard of honour, which was followed by a series of entertaining military displays in the form of drills and marches.

— Herald/Bureaux

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Zimbabwe Is a Closed Chapter South Africa Tells United Nations, to Inform SADC

A South African government handout photo shows the-then Southern African Development Community (SADC) chairman, South African President Jacob Zuma (L), hugging Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on June 20, 2009 in Johannesburg., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Zimbabwe, a closed chapter. . . South Africa tells UN, to inform Sadc

August 14, 2013
Tendai Mugabe Senior Reporter
Zimbabwe Herald

SOUTH AFRICA has told the United Nations that Zimbabwe is neither an issue for discussion within Sadc nor at the United Nations in the wake of the widely endorsed harmonised elections, with President Jacob Zuma set to inform the 33rd Ordinary Sadc Summit that convenes in Lilongwe, Malawi, over the weekend that his job in Zimbabwe was done.

Cde Zuma was appointed facilitator to the Global Political Agreement in September 2008, taking over from Cde Thabo Mbeki whom he also succeeded at Union Buildings, the seat of the SA government.

South African International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane told UN General Assembly President Mr Vuk Jeremic during a meeting in Pretoria on Monday that South Africa had already endorsed the harmonised elections and congratulated President Mugabe on his re-election.

“There is absolutely nothing new to discuss on Zimbabwe. The parties that did not win the elections have approached the highest court in Zimbabwe.

“We will all wait for the outcome of the court process. All the observer missions have said the elections were peaceful and free. We have already made our own national statement on the elections in Zimbabwe,’’ Ms Nkoana-Mashabane said in response to Mr Jeremic’s request for an update on the situation in Zimbabwe.

Ms Nkoana-Mashabane’s comments follow an announcement by the South African presidency that Cde Zuma would inform Sadc that his job as mediator in Zimbabwe was done.

City Press on Monday quoted an unnamed official in the SA Presidency as saying President Zuma’s role was over and he would officially inform Sadc leaders in Lilongwe.

“As far as South Africa is concerned, we have ended mediation in Zimbabwe,” said the source.

The source said the final Sadc report would also uphold the credibility of the elections that he said were free and peaceful.

“The summit’s final report will say something to the effect that all parties must give internal processes a chance to run their recourse.

“No external audit of the results will be accepted by Sadc,” the source said in apparent reference to MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai’s call for an audit of the results, a call echoed by the US, Britain, its dominion Australia and client state Botswana who are all ranged against the UN, AU, Sadc, Comesa, ACP, 22 AU member-states, among them 11 drawn from Sadc; eight Asian states, five Middle Eastern countries, two European states, and five South American countries have all endorsed the harmonised elections.

This has put MDC-T and its Western conceivers and funders on one side and Zimbabwe and the progressive world on another side, mirroring the contestation in Zimbabwe over the past 13 years.

President Mugabe romped to victory, garnering 61,09 percent of the votes cast to Mr Tsvangirai’s 33,94 percent with three other contestants — Professor Welshman Ncube (MDC), Dr Dumiso Dabengwa (Zapu) and Mr Kisinoti Mukwazhe (ZDP) — sharing the remaining 4,97 percent.

Zanu-PF also swept 160 seats out of the 210 National Assembly constituencies to MDC-T’s 49 with the remaining seat going to independent candidate Mr Jonathan Samukange who pitched for but failed to land the Zanu-PF ticket in Mudzi South.

Political analyst and Zanu-PF Politburo member Professor Jonathan Moyo said South Africa was just re-stating the obvious.

“They (South Africans) are stating the obvious. It is the true position that must be respected by all countries and all parties.

“That is the actual position that the whole process of mediation and engagement was going to end in the holding of elections.

“We have not only held elections which have been convincingly won by Zanu-PF, but these elections have been judged as credible by all credible organisations.

“The occasion was not just momentous, but historic. Zimbabweans have spoken in large numbers and reclaimed and reasserted their independence.”

The elections, he said, had buried the GPA and were not disputed.

“This is not a disputed election.

“The numbers are overwhelming and one has to be an extreme malcontent to describe the elections as disputed.”

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ZANU-PF Win Decisive, Says UK Guardian Newspaper

President Mugabe greets sungura artiste Alick Macheso after his performance at the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day cele­brations at the National Sports Stadium in Harare while Vice Presidents Joice Mujuru (right), John Nkomo (left) look on., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Zanu-PF win decisive, incontestible: UK paper

August 14, 2013
Hebert Zharare Political Editor
Zimbabwe Herald

PRESIDENT Mugabe and Zanu-PF decisively won the harmonised elections, obviating the need for any challenge legal or otherwise, the British establishment paper The Guardian has said.The Electoral Court is today set to hear MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai’s application seeking election material to support his application at the Constitutional Court seeking nullification of the results of the harmonised elections.

The Guardian, which over the past year consistently tipped Zanu-PF to win the elections, along with the Telegraph, ran news analyses on Election Day tipping Zanu-PF to romp to victory over MDC-T.

In an article headlined “How an exultant Robert Mugabe took on the world and won Zimbabwe” written by Richard Dowden, The Guardian said the margin of Zanu-PF’s victory negated any contestation.

“Yes everyone assumed the MDC would win and so became complacent. And had the result been a 51percent — 49 percent split, there might have been a case to challenge it. But a 61percent — 33 percent victory is decisive. Zanu-PF also won 150 (161 seats) of the 210 parliamentary seats, a two-thirds majority which allows it to change the Constitution and amend laws,” reads the report.

The paper attributed MDC-T’s dismal performance to party leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai’s lack of leadership skills to draw Zimbabweans together into a vision of a new Zimbabwe and political and managerial skills to make it happen.

President Mugabe, the paper said, had managed to rally all Zimbabweans behind him while Mr Tsvangirai failed to advocate the change he was preaching.

The paper further asserts that many people voted for President Mugabe because he is a well respected and principled leader.

President Mugabe, The Guardian argued, was not under pressure to co-opt losers into his Government, but could do it out of his benevolence.

“I also suspect (President) Mugabe will now go into reconciliation mode as he did after his first (also unpredicted) election victory of 1980. Now he will deploy his considerable charm and hold out a hand to African and Western governments that have criticised him in the past.

"At home he may offer posts in Government to MDC leaders, maybe even to (Mr) Tsvangirai himself.”

Over the past week, the British media have sounded the death knell for the embattled MDC-T leader, urging him to resign as he has failed as a politician.

This comes in the wake of the MDC-T leader’s third but most devastating defeat by President Mugabe.

The Telegraph, one of the largest circulating papers in the United Kingdom and a strong supporter of the MDC-T, said Mr Tsvangirai’s short stint in Government had exposed his immeasurable shortcomings as a leader while the BBC said the MDC-T leader now stared political oblivion.

MDC-T’s local media sympathiser, The Daily News, also weighed in by urging Zimbabweans to move on.

Political analyst and Midlands State University lecturer Dr Nhamo Mhiripiri said the British lost faith in Mr Tsvangirai’s leadership long back and that their media comments were testimony to that effect.

“The truth is they are now re-strategising their new British- Zimbabwe relations that will go beyond the MDC-T. They may have found it wise to go with Zanu-PF now. Stability will pay in terms of their investments in Zimbabwe as well as exploiting other resources,” he said.

Dr Mhiripiri said the fact that British papers were dissuading the MDC-T from pursuing court actions means they have realised that the events leading to and after polls were pointing to stability in Zimbabwe.

“Stability matters much more than the so-called democracy. Look at the Egypt type of democracy, it has become a handicap to politics and business,” he said.

Another political analyst, Mr Gabriel Chaibva, said the vitriol from the British papers was clear testimony that their Government was no longer interested in Mr Tsvangirai as an agent of regime change in Zimbabwe.

“What is clear is that Mr Tsvangirai is finished politically. He is now history and the British are so clever to see that and that is the reason why they are saying do not go to court you are wasting our time.

“There is full realisation that he cannot change anything by going to court. Even if he is given the spoiled ballots and the people who were turned away, he will still lose to President Mugabe.

“The British have seen that he is displaying his stupidity. He just wants to continue milking the British money and they have realised that. If the truth is to be said, Mr Tsvangirai would be history now if he was a British or an American politician. All his sex scandals would have buried him a long time ago. The man is morally bankrupt. His application is just academic and a hypothetical exercise,” he said.

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West Seeks to Weaken Zimbabwe Defense

President Mugabe congratulates Major Julian Chaneka while Colonel Zvanyadza Machinjili and Sergeant Dube Chimusasa look on during the 33rd Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

West Seeks to Weaken Zimbabwe Defenses

Takunda Maodza Senior Reporter
Zimbabwe Herald

MDC-T’s calls for security sector reforms are a ploy by the West to dilute the efficiency of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Mugabe has said.

The British government has been trying to protect its interests in Zimbabwe through military action since independence in 1980.This was revealed in a letter that until recently was classified as Top Secret that was written to the then British prime minister Margaret Thatcher by the head of the defence forces under the Ian Smith regime, General Peter Walls, asking for permission to stage a coup in Rhodesia when it became clear that President Mugabe was heading for a resounding victory.

In 2007, British media revealed that then premier Tony Blair discussed military intervention in Zimbabwe with General Sir Charles Guthrie, who served as chief of the defence staff between 1997 and 2001 but was advised against the folly of pitting British soldiers against the tried and tested veterans of the Congo campaign, the ZDF.

In his address on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day at the National Sports Stadium in Harare yesterday, the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Mugabe, applauded the ZDF for their resolute defence of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He said it was surprising that some misguided elements within and outside the country were clamouring for security sector reforms.

“It is therefore surprising that some misguided fellow countrymen, at the behest of their Western allies, blatantly disregard the good work done by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in maintaining peace and tranquillity in the country.

“They disguise this by demanding what they call ‘security sector reform’ when it is obvious the enemy’s real ploy is to dilute the efficiency of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

“These celebrations are thus an appeal to all peace-loving Zimbabweans to resist the enemy’s strategy. It is imperative for us always to work hand-in-glove with our defence forces, more so given the renewed neo-colonial advances by our erstwhile colonisers.” The President saluted the ZDF for its resolute dedication to the country.

“It is a great honour for me to join the pomp and fanfare that are today’s part of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ 33rd anniversary celebrations. Indeed, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces have every reason to celebrate in style considering the fact that Zimbabwe has been one of the most peaceful nations in the region and on the African continent since our attainment of independence in 1980.

“Such peace was not just natural but a product of the professional ability of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to undertake their constitutional mandate of safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity over its land and air space.”

This year’s celebrations were held under the theme “Zimbabwe Defence Forces in Defence of National Sovereignty, Social and Economic Development”.

President Mugabe said the theme was more relevant now that the country was on a crucial path of consolidating the gains of its hard-won independence through the total economic emancipation.

“In spite of the demonisation that we have endured over the past 13 years under the West’s regime change agenda in conjunction with their local allies, they have failed to frustrate our noble efforts and determination to consolidate our economic independence through the total control of our natural resources. The indigenisation and empowerment drive will continue unabated in order to ensure that indigenous Zimbabweans enjoy a larger share of the country’s resources,” he said.

President Mugabe, emerging from a resounding victory in the just-ended harmonised elections, said his Government would do everything in its power to ensure the total economic emancipation of indigenous people.

He said indigenisation and economic empowerment were not peculiar to Zimbabwe as they had been successfully implemented in other countries.

“Surprisingly though, it has not drawn the hype and demonisation that it has done in this country. Our position as the Zimbabwean Government is to pursue this beneficial policy to its successful conclusion.

I am happy to note that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces have remained vigilant and resolute in defence of the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests that include our natural resources,” President Mugabe said.

He added: “This is our final phase of implementing the ideals of the liberation struggle, which started with the attainment of political independence in 1980, which was followed by the indigenisation of the land that was largely owned by the minority settler white community for nearly a century. May I therefore extend to all Zimbabweans, my hearty congratulations for voting peacefully and showing our foreign detractors that our destiny lies in our hands.

May I also thank you most sincerely for bringing to an end the unproductive Inclusive Government and for restoring your confidence in the Zanu-PF Government.”

President Mugabe pledged to address the conditions of service for the ZDF whose salaries are still below the Poverty Datum Line. He also pledged to address accommodation and other challenges facing the force.

The First Family, senior Government officials, outgoing deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara and Chief of the Namibian Defence Forces Lieutenant General Ndaitwah, were among the thousands that thronged the National Sports Stadium for the annual celebrations.

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