GOVERNMENT has admitted that the conditions of service for the uniformed forces, particularly the Zimbabwe National Army, are deplorable.
Defence deputy minister Levi Mayihlome said this in the Senate, while responding to questions from senators.
“Yes, conditions of service for the uniformed forces, particularly the army, are not up to the required standard, including issues of vehicles and even personal issue items,” he said.
“(We know the) issues of barrack equipment, (where they) are in short supply.”
Mayihlome reminisced a time when the military received kits containing essentials saying such provisions were now a thing of the past.
“In the past when we joined the military ourselves in the 1980s, we had a ‘housewife’. Those who have been in the military know what I mean. Housewife was a kit which is not the marital wife. It was a kit that would assist you to live comfortably in the barracks,” he said.
“It included your shaving items and sewing kit and if you lost your buttons, you would be able to repair your uniform and so forth. It was a package that would assist you to live comfortably.
“However, all those things are now a thing of the past because of inadequate funding over the years.”
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Mayihlome said they were also facing challenges in procuring vehicles for military personnel.
“Yes, military vehicles tend to break down also due to wear and tear and because of funding challenges, some of the colonels since promotion have not been afforded their appropriate vehicles.
“So, the defence forces, like every other institution, will get into a dilemma. It is a challenge that we are facing, but we are working on a programme to procure vehicles, all the outstanding vehicles, including for members who are entitled to these vehicles on retirement,” the Defence deputy minister said.
“Some have gone without those vehicles. We even know instances where even one star, that is brigadier or air commodores, who have retired entitled to vehicles, but have gone without.
“These are challenges that we face, but like I said, let us fight in each other’s corner so that we all address these issues.”
He told the House that it is important to address grievances within the military in order to maintain national security.
“It is an issue that is current, we are progressing with the relevant ministry, which is the Ministry of Finance. We are fully aware of those challenges. We know the numbers, but we encourage the colonels to follow the correct procedures of raising issues rather than to find that it is just being told to anyone, lest that information gets into the wrong hands.
“At the end of the day, we have national security to protect. You never know if next time he will be given a lift by somebody who is hostile to this country,” Mayihlome said.
“Certain things are discussed within and (there are) other things that can be discussed in public, but yes, it is an issue you need to be aware of that we are facing challenges across the board, including on conditions of service. Not just conditions of service, including maybe their remuneration.
“Defence forces cannot go on strike. They commit themselves to what we call the ultimate sacrifice. If you are told to go forward, there is no argument, there is no question of you disputing or refusing.
“So, when they have grievances or are disgruntled about their conditions of services, everyone needs to listen. We do not want a disgruntled force, otherwise we cannot be assured or guaranteed of our national security.”
There is also speculation that the deteriorating standards of living and poor working conditions for soldiers could create problems for President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who initially came to power through a military coup in 2017.
Mnangagwa has, however, pampered the top brass with top-of-the range vehicles, houses, loans and farms.
