Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697705675163.pdf (Zimbabwe)
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President Commends ZDF Contributions President Commends ZDF Contributions in Fight Against COVID-19 in Fight Against COVID-19 The Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa inspecting the parade during the ZDF Day celebrations at State House on 10 August 2021.
By Hardlife Mwatutsa The President and Commander-in- Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has applauded the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for their resolve and resilience in the ﬁght agains t the CO V ID -19 pandemic.

President Mnangagwa said this while addressing the nation during Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations on 10 August 2021.
The 2021 celebrations were held virtually under strict Covid -19 protocols with President Mnangagwa leading the celebrations from State House in Harare.

President Mnangagwa applauded the ZDF for their commitment in the ﬁght against COVID -19.

“True to the principle that the military must prioritise the nation, I applaud the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for their u n w a v e r i n g w i l l p o w e r , e x p e r t contribution and resolve to our public war against Covid-19.
This war demands time, commitment, patriotism and loyalty from the people's institution -the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

“You, the ZDF have joined the ﬁght against the pandemic through enforcement of lockdowns, secondment of health personnel to assist in the management of conﬁrmed cases as well as the National Va c c i n a t i o n p r o g r a m m e .
T h e unprecedented experiences we have gone through over the unfolding waves of Covid-19, must remind us to continue acting more responsibly by always wearing our masks properly, sanitising and practising social distancing,” he said.

The President emphasised the need for unity in the quest to build a better and prosperous Zimbabwe.
“Going forward we must therefore consolidate the prevailing peace, leverage on the peace dividend and pull together in one direction as principled compatriots in building the Zimbabwe we all want.

This is incumbent on all of us,” he said.

He commended the ZDF for its corporate social responsibility that has seen it assisting communities across the country in the construction of amenities such as schools, clinics and bridges.
“I commend y, t h r o u g h c o n t i n u e d utilisation of its abundant wide array of skilled personnel to contribute towards the socio-economic development of the country.
“This has seen various communities beneﬁting from the construction of bridges, schools and clinics, with some of the most recent projects being the construction of a maternity ward at Mberengwa District Hospital, Neromwe Clinic in Chiredzi and two classroom 2 blocks at Charleswood Primary School in Chimanimani District, just to mention a few,” he said.

The President paid tribute to ZDF deminers and their partners for making signiﬁcant strides towards achieving a landmine free Zimbabwe.
“As we march towards our goal of achieving a Zimbabwe free of landmines by 2025, I commend the ZDF, and its cooperating demining partners, for the clearing of anti-personnel landmines.

The demining entities surpassed their 2020 target where they recovered and destroyed over 35 000 anti-personnel mines and three anti-tank mines.

This is commendable progress,” he said.

He congratulated the ZDF for their sterling contributions to regional and international peace.
“On the international scene, the ZDF has continued to contribute to international peace and stability by deploying its members on peace support operations under the auspices of the African Union and United Nations.

In this regard, the ZDF has 31 oﬃcers deployed to UN missions and six others deployed to AU missions.
In all these missions, the ZDF oﬃcers have raised the national ﬂag high, through the professional discharge of their assigned duties, resulting in their mandates being renewed on several occasions,” President Mnangagwa said.

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For your convenience #SahwiraMukuru #UmnganeOmkhulu Hardlife Mwatutsa Minister Pays Tribute to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces The Minister of Defence and War to test the capability of the ZDF to deal with modern-day security threats to the country and the region.

Muchinguri-Kashiri.
Muchinguri-Kashiri.

Veterans Aﬀairs, Honourable Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has commended the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for their dedication and resilience in defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

Minister Muchinguri said this at the closing ceremony of the Low Intensity Operations Field Training Exercise, code named, 'Exercise Rout', which was held in Masvingo Province from 27 September to 23 October 2021.
“It is indeed a great honour and privilege for me to preside over this ceremony which marks the end of a historic Low Intensity Operation (LIO) Field Training Exercise, c o d e - n a m e d ' E x e r c i s e - R o u t .

T h e successful conduct of the exercise demonstrates your dedication and determination to continue safeguarding Zimbabwe`s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
She said men and women in the Defence forces were physically and mentally ﬁt.

“Judging from what we have witnessed today, I am left with no doubt that the country indeed has physically and mentally strong men and women in its Defence Forces.
I therefore commend all of you who participated in this intense and strenuous Field Training Exercise.” The Defence Minister said 'Exercise-Rout' was systematically and decisively planned “It is, therefore, by no coincidence that your training exercise was tailor-made to conform to this emerging threat.

As a region, we will not allow a situation where terrorists or any foreign forces threaten a SADC member state without receiving appropriate and adequate military response from fellow member states.
In that regard, Zimbabwe is sending a training team of 3 0 4 o ﬃ c e r s , m e n a n d w o m e n t o Mozambique to build the capacity of our brothers in the ﬁght against threats of terrorism,” said Minister Muchinguri- Kashiri.

She noted that training had to be a priority and a foremost pre-occupation of the Defence Forces.
“Training should remain a priority and major pre-occupation of our Defence Forces during peace-time.” The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces has a strong desire and passion to maintain and improve the country`s military capabilities.” “In this regard Government is committed to modernise and mechanise the ZDF and ensure that training exercises of this magnitude are fully funded and conducted on a regular basis.
It is through such training programmes that our Defence Forces are adequately prepared to defend t h i s g r e a t n a t i o n , ” s a i d M i n i s t e r The Minister acknowledged all who made the historic exercise possible including t r a d i t i o n a l l e a d e r s , t h e b u s i n e s s community and the general populace.
“Let me, therefore, thank the Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, the services chiefs and all the commanders and staﬀ at various levels, for making this historic training exercise a reality.

I am aware this exercise brought together members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, the President`s Oﬃce and other Government Departments and agencies.
I am convinced that as you were training together, a solid Joint Operational System has been developed which in turn builds strong synergies among our forces.” “ T h e i n v o l v e m e n t o f t h e l o c a l communities during your training has helped in building strong civil-military relations which is critical when ﬁghting against insurgents or terrorists.
Thank you all traditional leaders, people of Tokwe, Triangle, Chiredzi, Chikombedzi, Chilonga, Chingele, Malipati and Mbizi areas who provided support for the conduct of the exercise.

My gratitude goes to all various players who allowed some training activities to be conducted at their premises, these include Telone, Nyaradzo Funeral Service, ZINWA, Tongaat Hullet and Chingele Orphanage, among others,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
The Minister of Defence and War Veterans Aﬀairs, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri following proceedings during an ammunition display to mark the end of Exercise Rout at Camp Lion, Mwenezi District on 22 October 2021.
4
Olivia Chiyangwa ZNA Takes Vaccination Drive to Communities Thousands of people from across the from most communities was generally overwhelming.
“The response in most areas was very positive.

In some areas, particularly in rural communities, we were even overwhelmed and some centres ran out of the jabs,” he said ' s e x p a n d e d C O V I D 1 9 v a c c i n a t i o n programme which was undertaken as part of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Community Assistance Week in August 2021.
Communities in Mashonaland East Province accessed vaccination services at Mutawatawa Clinic, Wedza Clinic, Sadza Growth Point and Dendera Growth Point.

Mahenye Business Centre, Fombe Bridge and Mutiusinazita School were the vaccination centres for Manicaland Province, while Masvingo Province had Chikombedzi Business Centre, Malipati Business Centre, Neshuro Business Centre and Maranda Business Centre.
In the Midlands Province vaccination centre were at Zhombe Clinic, Maboleni Business Centre and Gokwe Centre while Harare Metropolitan Province had .

F o r Mashonaland West Province, vaccination centres were at Mhangura, Danangwe Clinic, Sanyati Centre and Nyabira while Mashonaland Central Province had Mahuwe Clinic, Mukumbura Business Centre and Nzvimbo Growth Point.
The vaccination programme was also extended to communities living near military cantonments across the country.

In an interview with the ZNA Magazine, the Deputy Director Army Health Services, Major Nelson Bvekerwa said the response Major Bvekerwa said it was a myth that vaccinations administered by the ZNA are more eﬀective than those given at other institutions.

“The perception that the ZNA vaccine is more eﬀective than others is just a myth.
We have a controlled entry and vaccines are controlled centrally at the national vaccine stores and the Ministry of Health and Child Care is solely mandated to store, receive and distribute vaccines," said Major Bvekerwa.

The community vaccination outreach programme is not a new phenomenon in the ZNA as the organisation has in the past assisted various communities through medical outreaches.
However, the intensity and reach of the COVID-19 vaccination outreach programme was higher as the organisation sought to compliment Government eﬀorts to achieve herd immunity in the sustained ﬁght against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The programme saw the Army deploying military health personnel across the country to compliment the Government's COVID 19 vaccination programme.
A total of 34 788 people from across the country received their ﬁrst jab during the ﬁrst phase of the programme which ran from 02 to 10 August 2021, while over 30 000 beneﬁted during the second phase of the programme which targeted people who wanted to get their second jab.

Vaccination centres were established at Lupane Centre, Nkayi Centre and Tsholotsho Centre in Matabeleland North Province, while in Matabeleland South Province, they were at Ntepe Business Centre and Madhlambuzi Business Centre.
For Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, members of the community visited Nkulumane Shopping Centre, Cowdray Park and Emganwini for vaccination.

A medic administering a COVID-19 jab to a member of the Nyabira community in August 2021.

6 Towards Achieving Herd Immunity The Zimbabwe National Army undertaking a programme to vaccinate its members against the COVID-19 virus in March 2021.
Nelias Shiri imbabwe National Army has Zbecome the ﬁrst organisation in the security sector to vaccinate over 60 percent of its members in the ongoing nationwide mass inoculation against COVID-19, the Deputy Director of Army Health Services Major Nelson Bvekerwa has said.

Major Nelson Bvekerwa said the achievement was likely to boost conﬁdence and guarantee safety to ZNA members against the ravaging pandemic.
“I am immensely proud that over 60 percent of the organisation's security personnel have received their second jab.

Credit goes to our Army Health practitioners who have made this possible as they work tirelessly to achieve the set target.

The response curtail the spread of the deadly virus and prevent the loss of human life.
He urged the public to be wary of conspiracy theorists who peddle false i n f o r m a t i o n o n s o c i a l m e d i a , countrywide vaccination programme.

Early in 2021, Zimbabwe achieved a major milestone when Victoria Falls was the ﬁrst resort city to achieve herd i m m u n i t y i n S o u t h e r n A f r i c a following the successful vaccination of 77 percent of residents in the resort town.
The tourism industry applauded the achievement, saying it would boost conﬁdence in the revival of international travel and tourism in general.

and compliance from members of the force cannot go unappreciated, as this makes our organisation a pacesetter in the ﬁght against this deadly virus,” said Maj Bvekerwa.
The achievement by the ZNA comes as the Zimbabwe Defence Forces commemorated its Community Assistance Week, where the Army Health Services Directorate deployed COVID-19 teams across all provinces as part of the organisation's eﬀorts to complement Government in curbing the spread of the virus.

The teams set up vaccination centres, mostly in rural areas, with assistance from local health authorities, to speed up the vaccination programme as part of the ZDF Community Assistance Week Outreach programme.
M a j o r B v e k e r w a a p p e a l e d t o members of the public to get vaccinated as it was the only way to 8 Josphat Yorodani Army Intensiﬁes Efforts to Fight Climate Change Tstepped up eﬀorts to contribute to environment for Zimbabwe and the region and at the same time build resilience in our ﬁght against the eﬀects of Climate Change and global warming,” said Mr Gwatiringa.
he Zimbabwe National Army has “The training that we received from our partners has given us knowledge on how to plant various types of trees and how to nurture them until they get to the market.

We are now experts in buddying and grafting among other skills,” said Brigadier General Mlambo.

the global ﬁght against climate change with the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the planting of trees with Friends of the Environment (FOTE), a subsidiary of Nyaradzo Life Insurance Company.
The MOU was signed during the handover of the Mechanised Brigade Tree Seedling Project by FOTE to Mechanised Brigade at Inkomo Barracks on 29 October 2021.

The Chief of Staﬀ Administration Staﬀ, Major General Emmanuel Matatu, who was representing the Commander Zimbabwe National Army during the signing ceremony, highlighted the importance of planting trees in the global ﬁght against climate change.
“By producing tree seedlings, we promote and enable the planting of trees, which in turn help reduce our carbon footprint thus mitigating against climate change and other related climatic challenges we face” said Major General Matatu.

The Commander Mechanised Brigade, Brigadier General Themba Bvunzai Mlambo said the formation had beneﬁted immensely from the knowledge and expertise gained from FOTE and other partners on the nursery project.
Mr Bernamy Chiganze, Chairman of the Nyaradzo Group Board applauded the partners in the project for their eﬀorts in combating deforestation.

“This cordial working relationship has given rise to a wonderful tree planting initiative which seeks to address degradation of our forests in Zimbabwe.
“Today, the Mechanised Brigade Tree Seedling Nursery becomes a focal point for seedling production in Zvimba District and we are assured of technical support from the Forestry Commission on the suitable tree species to produce in order to meet the needs for tree planting programmes,” said Mr Chiganze.

The Chairman of FOTE, Mr Tendayi Gwatiringa expressed hope that the partnership between the Army and his organisation would bear positive fruits for the long term environmental sustainability.
“It is our hope that all our collaborative eﬀorts will result in the creation of new forests, generation of revenue and enhance food security.

Together we can achieve a better Friends of the Environment sponsored the project through construction of a greenhouse, drilling and installation of a solar powered borehole, complete with a water tank, among other accessories.
The Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe , w h i l s t t h e Environmental Management Authority tested the quality of the water in the borehole that was sunk at the site.

Climate change has been a topical issue globally.

This is in view of the numerous d r o u g h t s , ﬂ o o d s a n d o t h e r environmental disasters that the world has witnessed in recent years.
The United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Glasgow Scotland from 31 O c t o b e r t o 1 2 N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 1 , e m p h a s i s e d t h e c r i t i c a l a n d interdependent roles of forests of all types, bio-diversity and sustainable land use in enabling the world to meet its sustainable development goals and maintain other ecosystem services.
The Chief of Staﬀ Administration Staﬀ, Major General Emmanuel Matatu conversing with representatives from Nyaradzo Group after oﬃcially launching a tree nursery at Mechanised Brigade on 29 October 2021.

10 Security Forces Tighten Screws at Beitbridge Border Post Members of the security forces escorting armed robbers for crime scene indications at Beitbridge Border Post on 13 July 2021.
Munyaradzi Mushayamano and Andrew Chimedza recently in Beitbridge he Zimbabwe National Army, Tin conjunction with other s e c u r i t y o r g a n i s a t i o n s , continues to work round the clock to curb the illegal passage and rampant smuggling of goods at Beitbridge Border Post in an operation code named “No to Cross Border Crimes.” ZNA troops are deployed along Zimbabwe's border with South Africa in line with the Zimbabwe Defence Forces' secondary role of providing Military Aid to Civil Ministries.
Since the deployment of the security forces in early 2021, there has been a m a r k e d d e c l i n e i n s m u g g l i n g activities along the border.

Periodic reviews by the Zimbabwe Republic Police show that thousands of people were arrested along the border for various oﬀences.

For the period covering 01 July to August 2021, a total of 3 981 people were arrested and among these about 1 758 people paid ﬁnes which amounted to $879 000.

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The report also revealed that a total of seven buses, nine small vehicles and eight trucks were impounded for various oﬀences.

On the same note, goods valued at approximately $1 304 705.

04 were recovered.

On 13 July 2021, the security forces contravening Section 21 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act by entering and remaining into the country without valid permits.
The driver, on the other hand, was charged for contravening Section 36 (1) (c) of Immigration Act for assisting foreign nationals to enter and remain in Zimbabwe without permits.

For the period covering 01 September to 10 October 2021, the security forces managed to account for a total of 14 890 total arrests, 130 impounded buses and minibuses most of which were being used in the smuggling of goods.
Other signiﬁcant recoveries included 135 boxes of tobacco at Point 40 and Nottingham, two SUV vehicles at P a n d e M i n e 2 a r e a a n d Chikwalakwala, two fuel tankers with 11 87 000 litres of unleaded petrol worth US$149 000, among many other recoveries.

The Commanding Oﬃcer Mounted Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Dierich Chikwature said the operation had managed to bring sanity along the border and its surrounding areas.
“ B o r d e r j u m p e r s , s m u g g l i n g syndicates and other notorious individuals have been busted and the security forces are working tirelessly to identify and bring to book the outstanding smuggling cartels,” he said.

Sweep Operations, Raids, Stop and Search Operations and Ambushes accounted for most of the arrests.

Mounted and foot patrols were also crucial to the success of the operation.
The operation has also been enhanced by the use of helicopters and drones for aerial patrols, surveillance and raids, in liaison with a swift reaction team.

Nelias Shiri ZIMAC Director Hails Demining Progress The Zimbabwe Mine Action Centre Colonel Ncube said ZIMAC continued to keep a close eye on international demining operators to make sure that their operations were progressing well.
He expressed gratitude to the non-governmental organisations for stepping up eﬀorts in clearing the antipersonnel landmines.

However, the HALO Trust and MAG expressed their concerns over the dangers that were being posed by some residents dwelling and cultivating on mined areas, with some vandalising landmine warning signs thereby putting the lives of other locals and their livestock at risk.
( Z I M A C ) D i r e c t o r, C o l o n e l M k h u l u l i B h i k a N c u b e h a s applauded the National Mine Clearance U n i t ( N M C U ) a n d o t h e r n o n - governmental organisations for their s t e r l i n g a n d r e l e n t l e s s w o r k i n humanitarian landmine clearance aimed at attaining a landmine free Zimbabwe by 2025.
In separate interviews with the ZNA Magazine after touring some of the demining operational sites around the country, Colonel Ncube saluted the NMCU for their work in the south eastern part of Masvingo Province, saying the National Mine Action Strategy launched by the United Nations in March 2018 could be certainly achieved.

The strategy advocates for a landmine free world by the year 2025.
“The NMCU has been pivotal and proved to be a pacesetter in humanitarian demining operations on the Sango Border Post to Crooks Corner Mineﬁeld.

The unit surpassed its target by almost 200 percent.

The Anti-Personnel Landmines Detection Product Development (APOPO), a Dutch non-proﬁt making organisation, that is clearing part of the Sango Boarder Post to Mwenezi River, was also making progress in reclaiming land for cultivation by locals,” s a i d Colonel Ncube .
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Aﬀairs handed over landmine cleared land measuring 6.95 kilometres to the local community in Mt Darwin on 12 November 2021.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Ambassador Mark Grey Marongwe who was representing Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri handed over the cleared land to the Minister of State for Provincial Aﬀairs and Devolution for M a s h o n a l a n d C e n t r a l P r o v i n c e , Honourable Monica Mavhunga at a colourful event held at Chisecha Primary School.

The land was cleared by HALO Trust, a non-governmental organisation working with the Zimbabwe Mine Action Centre.
A total of 50 254 anti-personnel landmines were recovered from the area and destroyed.

The land will directly beneﬁt over 23 000 households in the area through farming and grazing pastures for livestock.

“In Mashonaland Central Province, the Hazardous Area Life Support Organisation (HALO) was working on demining the Musengezi-Mazowe River Mineﬁeld that is dominated by cordon sanitaire mines stretching from Mt Darwin District to Rushinga District.
The HALO Trust has cleared more than half of its allocated demining area.

The Mines Advisory Group (MAG), which is responsible for clearing the Mazowe-Rwenya River Mineﬁeld along Nyamapanda Border Post in Mashonaland East is also doing a great job,” he said.

O n t h e e a s t e r n b o r d e r l i n e w i t h Mozambique, Nowergian People's Aid (NPA) is clearing landmines on the Rusitu- Muzite and Sheba Forest-Leacon Hill mineﬁelds using mine detection dogs and manual metal detectors.
Colonel Ncube expressed delight at the pace and commitment shown by the manual task team and sniﬀer dog section, adding that such eﬀorts would go a long way in freeing the locals' agricultural land Z I M A C t o a n d h e l p vision.

achieve its Director Zimbabwe Mine Action Centre, Colonel Mkhululi Ncube emphasizing a point to demining partners from HALO TRUST during a tour recently.
12 His Excellency, Cde ED Mnangagwa the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, handing over the Best Non Commercial/Industrial Zimbabwean Exhibition prize to the Commander Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in September 2021 ZDF Shines at 2021 ZITF and Provincial Shows ZDF Shines at 2021 ZITF and Provincial Shows Staﬀ Reporter he Zimbabwean Defence TForces underlined its status as an attractive brand after the organisation scooped top prizes at the 2021 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
The ZNA was also equal to the task as it was also on the top at Manicaland, Midlands and Masvingo Provincial Agricultural Shows.

At the rescheduled 2021 ZITF, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces comprising of the ZNA and the Air Force of Commercial/Industrial Zimbabwean Exhibition, beating a host of other competitors in the category.
The organisation, however, could not replicate this performance at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show held in Harare from 27 September to 01 October, as it came second in the Security Services Sector Exhibitor category.

T h e Z N A e x h i b i t i o n a t Z I T F showcased Recruitment and Selection, Training, Operations, Demining and Community Assistance Projects.

The organisation also exhibited a Mobile Field Kitchen designed by the Army's R e s e a r c h a n d D e v e l o p m e n t Department.
Other static displays i n c l u d e d a Tr a c k e d A r m o u r e d Personnel Carrier and Military Police bikes which attracted visitors to the stand.

The exhibition was enhanced by eloquent and conﬁdent presentations by the selected Army oﬃcers and men.

The show, which had been postponed s i n c e A p r i l 2 0 2 1 w a s h e l d i n accordance with World Health Organisation Covid 19 protocols.

There was restricted entry into the exhibition park with those below the age of 18 not allowed to enter.
Speaking after the show, the Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Alphios Makotore commended all participants for the eﬀort they put to ensure the exhibition was a success.

On provincial shows, Headquarters 3 Infantry Brigade set the ball rolling w h e n t h e y p a r t i c i p a t e d a t t h e Manicaland Provincial Show from 21 to 23 October 2021.

The formation 14 went on to grab the Overall Best Stand prize and also come tops in the Uniformed Forces category.
At the Masvingo Agricultural Show held from 27 to 30 October 2021, 4 Infantry Brigade obtained the First Positon in the Uniformed Forces Category while in the Midlands Agricultural Show that took place from 28 to 30 October 2021, Headquarters 5 Infantry Brigade was adjudged the .
Headquarters 2 Infantry Brigade, which participated in the 2021 Marondera Agricultural Show between 28 and 30 October 2021, settled for Second Best Overall Stand and obtained the Second Position in the Uniformed Forces Category.

The ZITF and the Provincial Shows managed to be conducted this year after they were suspended in 2020 due to the outbreak of the COVID -19 pandemic.
Exercise Rout in Perspective In the above picture combo, soldiers crossing Runde River (left) and a convoy leaving Masvingo for Exercise Rout in Malipati.

Soldiers conducting an inter denominational church service in Chilonga during Exercise Rout in October 2021.

15 Moleen Machingura recently in Masvingo Exercise Rout in Perspective Masvingo Province, home to having understood the assignment, had to ensure his subordinate units also do the same.
He then issued his orders to Battalion Commanders and key staﬀ.

The issuing of orders cascaded down to platoon level.

locals could only watch and wonder at the spectacle unfolding in their area.

The following morning, the panoramic Mateke Hills reverberated as heavy weaponry pounded on the target, the Al-Shawaad Insurgents hide.

The forces had one last assignment, to totally rout the insurgents and Minister Muchinguri- Kashiri was present to witness it.
Fire rained from above, as the K-8 ﬁghter aircraft neutralised the target.

Birds clattered in the sky as they too could not stand the heat.

Before long, Mateke Hills rumbled as heavy machine guns belted out ﬁre towards the target.

As the ground troops made the ﬁnal assault on the target, it was the climax of Operation Rout, ending a four-week 'war' that had characterised the south eastern part of the country.
It was time for festivities at the beautiful Camp Lion, overlooking the magniﬁcent Mwenezi River about ﬁve kilometres from the scene of the rout.

It was indeed a memorable experience for everyone involved including the troops, the local community and the traditional leadership.

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces had proved once again that it is the people's force, capable of defending the territorial integrity of the country, its values and its people.
What followed was a hive of activity, as troops geared for the challenge that lay ahead.

On 07 October, all the land component troops had deployed and were ﬁrm at their forward operational bases.

What followed were skirmishes, patrols, ambushes, all meant to quell the 'Al-Shawaad terrorists', an exercise ﬁctitious group that had wreaked havoc in the South Eastern Region.
As they were conducting their combat duties, the troops were also conducting v a r i o u s c o m m u n i t y a s s i s t a n c e programmes.

These included a COVID-19 vaccination programme that was conducted by the ZDF Health Services personnel in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Child Care in Chilonga, Mbizi, Malipati and Buﬀalo Range areas.
On 20 October 2021, all roads led to Mateke Hills in Mwenezi for what was to be the ﬁnal attack on the insurgents and subsequently a closing ceremony that was to be graced by the Minister of Defence and War Veterans Aﬀairs, Cde Oppah Muchinguri- Kashiri.
As the long and winding convoy of vehicles cut through Mwenezi District, the t h e h i s t o r i c a l G r e a t Zimbabwe Monument, the majestic Tokwe-Mukosi Dam, the giant Lake Mutirikwi, was a hive of activity as troops descended on the u s u a l l y q u i e t c i t y b e t w e e n 2 7 September and 23 October 2021.

Military convoys became a common sight on the roads in the province as troops deployed for what has arguably become one of the biggest military exercises to be held in the province.
Understandably, some people began to speculate on the reasons for the soldiers' increased presence.

The speculation was that the country could have been inﬁltrated by Boko Haram from the South Eastern part of the country.

A lot of conspiracy and counter conspiracy theories became the order of the day.

The worst fears of the less informed were however put to rest when it was ﬁnally announced that the deployment was just a routine exercise by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
4 3 R e s e r v e F o r c e B a t t a l i o n ' s Chikandamina Barracks were then to become the fulcrum of the operation as personnel from various units and staﬀ branches began to set up what was to become the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Operation Rout Joint Task Force Headquarters.

There was a hustle and bustle, with staﬀ oﬃcers setting up various operational cells.
The zeal to get the job done kept everyone on their feet and before long, the Joint Task Force Headquarters was set and the operation ready to commence.
On 30 September 2021, the Joint Task Force Commander, Major General Kasirai Tazira issued orders to the Land Component Commander, Brigadier General Exsebious Vusa Tshuma, the Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Alﬁos Gwata, Logistics Component Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Machinga and heads of various departments that formed the Task Force Headquarters.

The orders were clear and the mission was in no doubt.

Everyone was aware of the task ahead.


The Land Component Commander Exercise Rout Joint Task Force Commander, Major General Kasirai Tazira assisting 41 Combat Group troops on how to use the Queen B II in the exercise area near Gonarezhou National Park.

16 Winning hearts and minds is crucial during any military operation.

In this picture, members of the Zimbabwe National Army at an outreach programme with local traditional leaders in Malipati during Exercise Rout.
Judge Jarachara recently in Malipati A Peek into the Shangani Culture Oand shouts at the top of his voice, are taught how to handle their spouses when they get married as well as take adult responsibilities.
ne man stands in the gathering “Chikovele!” Everybody seated in the gathering responds in unison, “Chigombe!” This is a word of respect for Chief Gezani of the VaHlengwe people of south eastern Zimbabwe, just a few kilometres from the famed Limpopo River which divides Zimbabwe with her n e i g h b o u r s S o u t h A f r i c a a n d Mozambique.

The Hlengwe people are a sub clan of the Shangani tribe, as this writer later on discovered.
These words of deep symbolism in Hlengwe heritage captured this writer's attention as they were being chanted in depth particularity by the people of the Gezani Chiefdom as they respected their newly promoted Chief Benson Chauke (Chief Gezani).
The just ended Exercise Rout conducted by the Zimbabwe National Army in the general area of Chiredzi and Mwenezi Districts in Masvingo Province was not just a training programme which beneﬁtted the soldiers but was a blessing in disguise for the Shangani people, who had quality time with their Defence Forces and got to experience how the soldiers conduct their duties during Low Intensity Operations.

The soldiers also had an opportunity to get a closer experience with the unique Shangani culture.
The Shangani people are a people deeply rooted in their culture.

The cultured Shangani women and girls could be seen wearing diﬀerent dresses that depicted their statuses in the society.

In the Shangani society, being single and being of age does not guarantee one to be a 'full' woman/man and ﬁt to be wife/husband who would live accordingly in marriage.

The Khomba/Ngoma practices are the ultimate determinants for both men and women, respectively.
The Komba practice, according to one elderly woman from Gezani who refused to disclose her name, is a combination of lessons girls are given during a stipulated time frame and at a secluded place.

Boys go to the Ngoma or Vukwerha.

During Khomba/Ngoma, boys and girls 17 The elderly lady bragged that divorce cases are relatively low among Shangani women as they know how to please their husbands.
“The practice has so far seen the Shangani women, especially the trained ones staying and enjoying their marriages.

If you consider the rate of divorces, you will realise Shangani women constitute the lowest percentage,” she said.

Queried on whether the practice is the same with men, Mr Shadreck Chauke a court oﬃcial, said the practice is the same as boys are also taken for circumcision and training.

“The practice is the same for both girls and boys.

It has been like that since time immemorial.


The diﬀerence is that today's practice is now being done with the involvement of the Ministry of Health and Child Care and other health authorities to curb accidents which used to take place when done by untrained people,” he said.
continued on page...19 Exercise Rout Deployment, an Eye Opener for Female Oﬃcer “Just like during the Liberation Struggle, there were a number of female combatants who participated which clearly shows that as women we can challenge our male counterparts in performing any task.” “I urge all Zimbabwe Women Services to take a keen interest in all ﬁeld operations.
Female soldiers are usually employed in administrative and clerical positions but we should also move out and be part of the operations so as to develop our skills in the battle ﬁeld,” she said.

Lieutenant Machingura applauded all female soldiers who participated in the Exercise in various other capacities.
“Whilst I was the only female member at the Joint Task Force Headquarters, I do not feel unaccompanied because of my fellow comrades who are deployed at various levels including at unit, company and platoon Forward Operational Bases.” Exercise Rout was conducted from 27 September to 23 October 2021.

The o p e r a t i o n s a w v a r i o u s Z D F u n i t s deploying personnel in Masvingo, Chiredzi and Mwenezi to exercise on the conduct of Low Intensity Operations.
and Malipati Clinic, among many other places.

Members of 41 Combat Group who were deployed in the midst of Gonarezhou National Park got themselves a treat as they familiarised with a number of wild animals in the second largest national park in Zimbabwe.

These animals include the largest land mammal in the world, the elephant from where the park derives its name.
A volunteer tour guide, Sergeant Tawapa Gift of 4 Civil Military Relations could be seen moving from position to position teaching soldiers on the behaviour of animals and how to react when attacked by animals.

His was a clear message as he could be heard preaching the preservation of wild animals saying, “From this jungle we are allowed to take nothing but pictures.

We leave nothing but foot prints and we kill nothing but time,” he said.
Lieutenant Machingura, who is the Public Relations Staﬀ Oﬃcer (Grade 3) Audio Visuals at the Army Public Relations Directorate, was part of the Public Relations team at the Joint Task Force Headquarters, stationed at 43 Reserve Force Battalion's Chikandamina Barracks in Masvingo.

Her responsibilities during the exercise included compiling and editing stories for 'Operation Rout Bulletin', supervising reporters and writing news releases among other duties.
Speaking in an interview with The ZNA Magazine, Lieutenant Machingura said the exercise was an eye opener which had broadened her scope of experience in the ﬁeld.

“I have never been deployed in the ﬁeld for military operations, I am greatly privileged to have been part of such a high magnitude exercise.

We have been working in oﬃces but this is an eye opener and good experience as we were working in a simulated battle ﬁeld.

This has indeed widened my operational experience,” said Lieutenant Machingura.
She encouraged other female soldiers to be part of such operations so as to gain experience and also as a way of improving gender balance on the battle front.

The word “CHIKOVELE!” characterises the beginning of the speeches of the day and this then prompted the reporter to ask and was told that it is a greeting using the Chief's totem, 'hozhwa' in Shona and 'snail' in English.

That is where the name VaHlengwe is derived from.


During Exercise Rout, the Zimbabwe National Army through its diﬀerent departments helped the local community in various ways which included COVID 19 vaccinations, counselling from the Social Services Department and provision of dip tank chemicals.
The deployment of the Army was a blessing for the generality of the populace who were having sleepless nights wondering how they would get the Covid- 19 jabs, jabs that are meant to ameliorate the eﬀect of the dreaded pandemic.

This worry was whisked away by 4 Field Ambulance Company which during the operation, deployed several detachments to vaccinate the locals.
Some of the places where these people were vaccinated include Makanani Clinic, Pahlela Clinic 19 Lieutenant Moleen Machingura Hardlife Mwatutsa For Lieutenant Moleen Machingura o f A r m y P u b l i c R e l a t i o n s Directorate, deploying at and participating in 'Exercise Rout' as the only female oﬃcer at the Joint Task Force Headquarters, remains a feat she will always cherish and remember.
from page...17 In the Shangani community it is unheard of to be seen entertaining strangers without sending them to the local leadership, that is the village head, headman and the chief for vetting and authentication.

When this r e p o r t e r a r r i v e d a t M r C h a u k e ' s homestead, with a team of armed soldiers, a group of men who were seated drinking ilala (palm wine) known in the local language as 'Njemani', could not utter a word in response to questions by the reporter.
However, one drunken man, whom we later knew as 'Gunners', just said: “All of us here are deaf except the local leadership”.

Gunners' words were conﬁrmed when the crew visited Chief Gezani, who, before entertaining us ordered that we be taken through the chiefdom's protocols, as getting to him directly was like starting at the highest authority.
Another stunning aspect which the writer got mesmerized with was the chanted words in a highly pitched voice which everyone who stood up to speak was to forward as a sign of greeting and respect to the chief.

General and Senior Oﬃcers Promoted Pending Retirement Chinete.Meanwhile, seven lieutenant colonels were promoted to the rank of colonel pending retirement, in terms of Section 20 of the Defence Act (Chapter 11: 02 as read with Section 4(a) of Statutory Instrument 257 of 2020.
The Chief of Staﬀ Administration Staﬀ Major General Emmanuel Matatu oﬃciated at the investiture ceremony for the seven colonels.

Members promoted are Colonel Kainos Chichetu, Colonel Enock Siakwelele Siachibi Muntanga, Colonel Wilson Ndlovu, Colonel Constantine Nyagadza, Colonel Gondai Jairos Soroti, Colonel Charles Muresherwa and Colonel Tops Christopher Sibandah.
In a related development, President Mnangagwa also promoted ﬁve colonels and ﬁve lieutenant colonels to the ranks of brigadier general and colonel, respectively, pending their r e t i r e m e n t .

T h e i n v e s t i t u r e ceremonies for the promoted generals and senior oﬃcers were held on 18 and 19 November 2021 at Josiah M a g a m a To n g o g a r a B a r r a c k s respectively.
The Commander Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant General David Sigauke presided over the investiture ceremony for brigadier generals and the Chief of Staﬀ Administration Staﬀ, Major General Emmanuel Matatu oﬃciated at the investiture ceremony for colonels.

The promoted general oﬃcers are Brigadier Generals Daniel Romeo M u t s v u n g u m a , M i k e O l i v e r Magumise, Mark Charles Chimwaza, L u c k m o r e M u k u r a z h i z h a a n d Kenneth Joseph Chihumba.
Senior oﬃcers promoted to the rank of colonel are Henry Maronga, Danny D a n i e l M a b a m b e , F l e x i b i l i t y Nyamhuka, Emmanuel Gono and Andrew Peter Maforo.

Commander ZNA, Lieutenant General David Sigauke conferring ranks to Brigadier General Luckmore Mukurazhizha in November 2021.
Staﬀ Reporters The Commander-in-Chief of t h e Z i m b a b w e D e f e n c e F o r c e s , H i s E x c e l l e n c y President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa promoted four senior oﬃcers to the substantive rank of brigadier general pending their retirement.

The promotions were in accordance with section 3(a) of Statutory Instrument 257 of 2020, as read with Section 15 (1) (b) of the Defence Act (Chapter 11:02).
The investiture ceremony for the promoted general oﬃcers was held on 03 September 2021 at Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks.

Commander Z i m b a b w e N a t i o n a l A r m y , Lieutenant General David Sigauke who presided over the ceremony said the newly promoted generals should remain loyal to the country and use their experience in developing the country.
“I hope and trust that with your vast experience and exposure, you will be able to rise to the occasion and become eﬀective players in fulﬁlling the National Development Strategy One, which has been already set in motion by His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa,” he said.

Lieutenant General Sigauke urged the general oﬃcers to continue to protect the freedom which they fought for together with other war veterans.
“It is on this premise that our resolve and loyalty to a patriotic cause and love of our nation will continue to be tested.

As you resemble the emblem of the Liberation Struggle, it is incumbent upon you to uphold the constitutional obligation of protecting Zimbabwe, its people and interests at all costs,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted, Brigadier General Albert Nyamuronda said they appreciated His Excellency, Commander Defence Forces and the ZNA Commander for recognising them.
'This gives us more energy and strength as we are recognised.

We would like to appreciate what you have done for us and we promise to remain loyal to our nation.

We will take part in diﬀerent programmes of developing the country and uniting people,” he said.
T h e s e n i o r o ﬃ c e r s w h o w e r e promoted are Brigadier General Daniel Golden Mukani, Brigadier General Webster Phansi, Brigadier General Albert Nyamuronda and B r i g a d i e r G e n e r a l G a b r i e l 20 Relief for Army Medical Interns at Mpilo Hospital Principal Mheremhere he Zimbabwe National TArmy medical interns who w e r e a ﬀ e c t e d b y t h e devastating ﬁre incident which occurred at Mpilo Central Hospital on 26 May 2021 got a shot in the arm from the organisation when they received an assortment of goodies.
The goodies were handed o v e r b y t h e C h i e f o f S t a ﬀ Quartermaster Staﬀ, Major General Hlanganani Dube on 23 June 2021.

Speaking at the presentation of the donations to the medical interns, Major General Dube said the organisation was deeply concerned w i t h t h e m e d i c a l i n t e r n s ' predicament.
“Going through such near death experience and agony of escaping the ﬁre on that fateful night coupled w i t h l o s i n g y o u r p e r s o n a l properties is one of the most traumatic experiences any person w o u l d d a r e t o e n d u r e .

T h e organisation is fully awake to the fact that the ﬁre destroyed your hostel which was your place of security, comfort and safety.
The greatest loss was the eﬀects on your health, loss of property, study material, laptops, certiﬁcates, important documents and many other treasured objects.

As the leadership we are greatly touched by what happened and do not underestimate the trauma and challenges of rebuilding after the ﬁre incident,” he said.

Major General Dube assured the medical interns that the Army would remain responsive and sensitive to all the necessary requirements needed by the interns.
“I want to assure you that the Army w i l l r e m a i n r e s p o n s i v e a n d sensitive to your administrative needs by giving you necessary logistical backup to enable you to ﬁnish your stint at Mpilo Hospital,” he said.

The ZNA interns were among other medical interns housed at Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo whose residential ﬂat was razed by an inferno around midnight on 26 May 2021 destroying property worth thousands of dollars.

One of the Army interns, Lieutenant Trinity Sesedza suﬀered a broken leg.
The goodies and items presented included groceries, laptops, smart m o b i l e p h o n e s , b l a n k e t s , cardiology stethoscopes, bed sheets, dust coats, among other items.

The Chief of Staﬀ Quartermaster Staﬀ, Major General Hlanganani Dube handing over laptops and other goodies to Medical Interns who were victims of the Mpilo Hospital ﬁre incident in June 2021 .
21 New State-of-the-Art Hospital for Dzivarasekwa Barracks ….as Headquarters Harare District Embarks on Road Rehabilitation Programme The new state-of-the-art hospital constructed at 2 Presidential Guard Barracks.

Phanuel Masewu and Olivia Chiyangwa h e C h i e f - o f - S t a ﬀ TAdministration Staﬀ, Major General Emmanuel Matatu oﬃcially opened the refurbished Dzivarasekwa Barracks Camp Hospital on 02 November 2021.
The hospital was refurbished in partnership with Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS).

Speaking during the ceremony Major General Matatu commended PSMAS for ensuring members of the ZNA get quality health care and underlined the importance of quality health services for members.
“The intervention by PSMAS is not o n l y a b o u t r e n o v a t i o n s a n d construction of facilities but providing basic medical cover to our members, since some private health providers demand more than what PSMAS oﬀers.

This state of the art infrastructure needs state of the art equipment and state of the art health care.
Also this health facility is to service members of the uniformed forces and their dependants as the provision of health services is a h u m a n r i g h t e n s h r i n e d i n o u r constitution," he said.

The renovation of the hospital which commenced in February 2018 was done by ZNA engineer artisans with material and ﬁnancial resources being provided by PSMAS.
The refurbishment of the facility covered the hospital wards out patients' department, consulting rooms, p h a r m a c y, l a b o r a t o r y a n d t h e optometry section.

The x-ray and ultra sound scan facilities were also renovated as was the dental and procedure rooms.

Meanwhile, Headquarters Harare District has embarked on a project to rehabilitate the road leading to 2 Referral Hospital in Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks.
The project which was started on 20 September 2021, is being carried out by a private company called Fossil Construction.

I n a n i n t e r v i e w w i t h t h e Z N A Magazine, the Commander Harare District, Colonel Charles Shumba said the construction of the road which is funded by the Ministry of Transport and 22 Infrastructure Development under the Government's Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme, was necessitated by the need to modernise 2 Referral Hospital.
Colonel Shumba expressed gratitude to t h e M i n i s t r y o f Tr a n s p o r t a n d Infrastructure Development for availing funds for the project, adding that the rehabilitation would improve the image, not only of the 2 Referral Hospital but the entire Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks.

He said he expected the project to be complete within three months' time before the onset of the 2021 rainy season.
The road rehabilitation project which is worth over USD 400 000 .00 will include construction of the road which leads to 2 Referral Hospital, a car park for staﬀ plus two more car parks for patients and visitors.

The project follows the recent renovation of consultation rooms and construction and equipping of the sluice room.

Olivia Chiyangwa Companies Donate to the ZNA Ton 19 October 2021 received a As a result, the remaining quarters could not adequately accommodate all members who needed accommodation.
he Zimbabwe National Army, donated medical equipment will go a long way in improving the Army's health delivery system.

donation of ﬁve tonnes of deformed steel bars worth USD$8 000 from Africa Steel (Pvt) Ltd.

The donation was made towards the construction of the Warrant Oﬃcers' and Sergeants' Mess at Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks.
Speaking at the handover of the steel bars, Chief of Staﬀ Quartermaster Staﬀ, Major General Hlanganani Dube said messes were an important part of military life and oﬀered a unique dimension to the profession.

“Apart from oﬀering entertainment, dining facilities, living quarters and bars for socialising, messes contribute to fostering unity and enhancing esprit de corps among members.

They cultivate comradeship and enhance a binding military culture,” he said.
The Army Headquarters Sergeants' Mess quarters, which are used by members whose families stay out of Harare, was destroyed by a ﬁre in 2008.

The Chief of Staﬀ lamented the state of aﬀairs at the mess which has resulted in some members having to seek rented accommodation outside the barracks.

Headquarters Harare District also received a donation of construction services for the refurbishment of Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks football pitch from Sino-Africa Investment.
“The donation will indeed go a long way in ensuring improved healthcare delivery system in the ZNA hospitals.

The donation has also come at a time when the nation and the ZNA are facing challenges related to the procurement of suﬃcient hospital equipment.

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought more pressure on the already strained budgets,” said Major General Matatu.
Mrs Patience Chimuka who handed over the equipment on behalf of the Golden Knot Chief Operating Oﬃcer, said the relationship between the ZNA and Golden Knot goes beyond business partnership but extends to the welfare of military personnel.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe National Army Charities received a donation of two oxygen concentrators from legal assurance company, Golden Knot on 23 November 2021.
The Chief of Staﬀ Administration Staﬀ, Major General Emmanuel Matatu received the e q u i p m e n t o n b e h a l f o f t h e organisation.

In his acceptance speech, Major General Matatu thanked Golden Knot for the generous gesture saying the The Chief of Staﬀ Quartermaster Staﬀ, Major General Hlanganani Dube receiving deformed steel bars donated by Africa Steel in October 2021.
23 Army Appreciates Traditional Leaders' Role in National Development The Chief of Staﬀ General Staﬀ, Major General Kasirai Tazira handing over maize seed to Chief Tandi from Makoni West during the Traditional Leaders' Day held at Hebert Chitepo Barracks in October 2021.

Josphat Yorodani and Zenus Makahwi he Chief of Staﬀ General Staﬀ, TMajor General Kasirai Tazira has paid tribute to traditional leaders for spearheading developmental initiatives and preserving the country's norms and values.
Major General Tazira said this while oﬃciating at the Manicaland Province Traditional Leaders' Day held at Hebert Chitepo Barracks in Mutare on 30 October 2021.

Major General Tazira acknowledged the role played by traditional leaders in society adding that the Army sought to strengthen the existing bond between the organisation and the chiefs.

"Traditional leaders are an indispensable assert in uniting communities.
The military, therefore, acknowledges the role played by chiefs to cement and solidify our cultural values and ethos.

As such, the ZNA seeks to strengthen the important relationship between the ZNA and the chiefs which dates back to the time of the Liberation Struggle," he said.

Speaking at the same event, the Commander 3 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General George Chitsva reminded the audience that it was everyone's responsibility to preserve the country's culture.
He urged chiefs to educate their subjects on the importance of safeguarding the country's interests.

traditional rulers.” M e a n w h i l e , t h e C h i e f o f S t a ﬀ Quartermaster Staﬀ, Major General Hlanganani Dube also oﬃciated at a Mashonaland West Province Traditional Leaders' Day held at Headquarters Mechanised Brigade at Inkomo Barracks on 08 October 2021.
Speaking at the event, Major General Dube said traditional leaders were a vital cog in the country's development as they were critical in spearheading Government's developmental initiatives.

“All Government programmes such as Command Agriculture and Pfumvudza cannot be successful without the involvement of chiefs.

Besides being community leaders, chiefs are also a source of vital information required by the people of Zimbabwe on Government programmes,” said Major General Dube.
Major General Dube stressed the importance of chiefs through a quotation from Dr Mojafela Johannes Koenane who said “Certain values and practices that made Africans authentic should be rediscovered, one of which is the traditional way of governing through 24 Also present at the occasion was the Honourable Minister for Provincial Aﬀairs and Devolution in Mashonaland West Province, Cde Mary Mliswa- Chikoka who expressed gratitude to the Army for acknowledging the role of c h i e f s i n m o u l d i n g e x e m p l a r y communities and promoting local culture against vices that threaten its existence.
The relationship between the military and traditional leaders can be traced back to the time of the Liberation Struggle.

The Army assists various communities that surround them through engaging in community assistance programmes which have seen the construction of infrastructure in the form of schools, c l i n i c s a n d b r i d g e s i n v a r i o u s communities throughout the country.
The traditional leaders who attended the events also received packages of farming inputs and food hampers, courtesy of generous donations from the corporate world.

Blessing Nyabote The Art of War Gaming A war game is a type of strategy rapid incursion aimed at annexing the 'Eastern Province'.
Students are then given scenarios where they are required to carry out oﬀensive operations as the attackers while the other group, designated attackers, will be holding a series of delaying defence positions along the 'Red Forces' axis of advance.

Students would be exercised on the conduct of delay defensive operations, the advance, demolition guard operations and Fighting in Built Up Areas.
The students discuss their tactical plans and conduct war gaming under the supervision and adjudication of the Directing Staﬀ.

War gaming are simulations in which theories of warfare can be tested and reﬁned without the need for actual hostilities.

Military simulations are seen as a useful way to develop tactical, strategical and doctrinal solutions.
Colonel Raban Nikisi added that “war gaming develops combat teamwork in small and large units of all arms of troops and it teaches students the procedures involved in organising and waging a battle.
In the course of the two sided exercise, tactical missions are carried out on the terrain under conditions maximally approximating those of actual combat.” He went on to say that “since Tactical Exercises Without Troops (TEWTs) are class room based exercises that practise students in the military decision making processes used to devise the best possible course of action to achieve mission success.
By practising in the sterile class room environment, m i s t a k e s h a v e n o s i g n i ﬁ c a n t consequence, and students can learn from each other's eﬀorts and successes.

This then translates to higher chances of mission success in actual battle as the student's mental agility and cognitive ability is enhanced through repetition of this problem based learning activity.” Tactical exercises at company level usually involves various military procedures related to several types of combat actions.
The primary objective of tactical exercises is to improve the tactical knowledge and practical skills of students with regard to their various combat mission and to provide experience in organising battle and controlling units in the battleﬁeld.

One of the best ways to penetrate the “fog of future war” is to conduct war games designed to illuminate potential advances and to highlight new operational concepts.

that realistically simulates warfare, as opposed to abstract strategy games such as chess.
The history of war gaming dates back to around the turn of the 19 Century and it was invented in Prussia now Germany.

War gaming was accredited for the defeat of France by the Prussian Army in the Franco Prussian War of 1870. th After the defeat of France, war gaming was widely adopted by military oﬃcers in other countries.
All Arms Battle School adopted war gaming as a way of training Zimbabwe Defence Forces military oﬃcers in the art of strategic thinking, testing new tactics, strategies and predict trends in future conﬂicts.
According to the Commandant of All Arms Battle School, Colonel Raban Nikisi, “The institute adopted war gaming since it is a comprehensive way to teach students on critical analyses of tactical issues.” In the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, All Arms Battle School prides its self as the only institute that conducts a Two- Sided-Tactical Exercise Without Troops which is undertaken by students of Company Group Commanders' Course.
This Training Exercise is done in the form of war gaming and it helps consolidate students' knowledge on all aspects of Conventional Warfare and the Estimate Process.

The Tactical Exercise Without Troops comes after the students would have covered all the theoretical lessons on Conventional Warfare.

The exercise is usually conducted in the general area stretching from Headlands to Mutare.

At the institute, military war gaming is used as a serious tool for training.
The School prepares oﬃcers for actual warfare using these war games and there is naturally a strong emphasis on r e a l i s m .

S i n c e w a r g a m i n g i s adversarial and simulates an armed conﬂict, there must be two opposing sides whose players react intelligently to each other's decisions.

In the case of All Arms Battle School, students are divided into syndicates representing defenders and attackers respectively.
For the purpose of the war gaming, attacking forces would have invaded from the North and embarking on a Battalion Group Commanders' Course students on Tactical Exercise Without Troops in Nyanga.

26 Building Teamwork through 'Imaginary Volleyball' - A Paratrooper's Perspective Hardlife Mwatutsa eamwork is one of the key Taspects in the success of any military operation.

Without teamwork, success in the battleﬁeld can be elusive.
As they awaited their deployment i n t o t h e b a t t l e ﬁ e l d , Z N A Paratroopers continued to perfect teamwork through sport, 'imaginary volleyball'.

Yes, you read right, Paratroopers devised the 'imaginary volleyball' game which they play to up their teamwork game and boost their moral before deployment into the operational theatre.

The sport also helps in exercising and keeping the Paratroopers ﬁt and sane.
Speaking in an interview with the ZNA Magazine, Corporal Machisa Noel described how the imaginary volleyball is played.

“The game is six-aside, with a captain for each team to keep the spirit of command.

We play the game without a ball, only imagining there is one.

Each team has to put its maximum eﬀort in jumping for the imaginary ball and keeping it in play.” “We introduced this game when we noticed that we needed something to keep us jumping.
Every time we play it, every passerby is left in awe,” Corporal Machisa said.

He outlined the rules of the game.

“The cardinal rule is to keep the i m a g i n a r y b a l l i n p l a y a n d maximize jumping at all cost.

This is to make sure that every man keeps his head up and his feet oﬀ the ground.

The imaginary ball is not supposed to touch the ground and no man has to rest much on the ground.

Every jump is a new jump.


This basically means that one should make the current jump better than the previous one.

The jump has to be of your maximum eﬀort and diﬀerent from your last jump,” said Sergeant Mhozi Maxwell.

Besides building the spirit of teamwork, sport also improves oneness, better communication skills and ﬁtness.

Paratroopers during an 'imaginary volleyball' match in November 2021.
27 Portrait of a Combatant Gordon Chipango A fearless man, a determined man from the hinterland Trained not to sleep but to rest when time calls Left his family and friends to protect his motherland Through the hot sun and harsh weathers, he trails When duty calls.
Ahead of the sun rays of the last light A man in ravaged camouﬂage sits on top of a hill Watching the sun going down with his last hope as a diming candle light The birds of the air staring at him while he slings his riﬂe Whistling to the nature and a rumbling sound of a head of buﬀaloes The new day bringing fortunes and anticipation The birds humming and lions roaring The man himself continues his rummage In pursuit of the destructing enemy He stoops down and takes a deep breath He listens to the screams of man and woman Black smoke billows from where thatched roof tops once stood 28