By Derick Tsimba

President Emmerson Mnangagwa speaking during the occasion of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) day celebrations today in Harare said Zimbabwe was experiencing a wave of aggression through illegal sanctions and hostile anti-Zimbabwe propaganda on social media platforms, the Harare Post can report.

“The commemorations which we are holding this year under the theme ‘ZDFs celebrating 40 years of excellent service to the people,’ are taking place under yet another wave of aggression  manifesting through illegal sanctions, hostile anti-Zimbabwe propaganda mounted on social media platforms and other forms of asymmetrical warfare meant to break the unity within our forces. This has been coupled with the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Sadly the virus has claimed some decorated members of the ZDF family in the name of Air Chief Marshal Retired Perrance Shiri,” said President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa also said the nation takes pride in the ZDFs role of defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity from contemporary threats.

“To the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, as a nation we take pride in you and we thank you for continuously defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity from all contemporary threats.

“I want to thank you all for joining the entire Zimbabwe Defence Forces family in commemorating this special day, the ZDF’s 40th Anniversary. Thank you, once again for remaining calm and peaceful in the wake of some misguided calls for violent protests and demonstrations by the opposition elements with support from foreign and civil society supporters and backers. You have shown your patriotism and love for peace and tranquillity,” said the President.

The President also emphasised that the battle with the Covid-19 pandemic requires discipline, bravery and unity. We must be united and fight this invisible enemy together. It is our collective responsibility to protect our nation, our families and our beloved ones, he said.