DEFENCE deputy minister Levi Mayihlome told the Senate last week that the conditions of service for members of the defence forces, particularly the Zimbabwe National Army, are in a deplorable state and “not up to the required standards”.
Mayihlome said the military previously used to get kits containing essentials. However, such provisions are no longer available due to funding challenges.
He indicated that they were also facing challenges in procuring vehicles for military personnel to the extent that those entitled to vehicles have not enjoyed such a benefit, even on retirement.
In his presentation, Mayihlome told the House that it is important to address the military's grievances in order to maintain national security.
This is the second time in a year that Mayihlome has pleaded with government to address the conditions of service for the uniformed forces.
Last year, Mayihlome told lawmakers that morale among members of the defence forces was at its lowest ebb, adding that had pushed some members to engage in corrupt activities to make ends meet.
He said training of soldiers was done in bits and pieces due to inadequate funding.
“If soldiers are not trained, it affects discipline and we end up having challenges of drug and substance abuse. We inherited in 1980 reserve stocks from the war, but with time, they were depleted and were not replaced for over 44 years and imagine the wars we have fought, and we have not been able to replenish stocks,” he said then.
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However, the appeal appears to have fallen on deaf ears, necessitating the latest one made last week.
The Constitution mandates the defence forces to protect the country, its people, national security and interests as well as territorial integrity.
How can the defence forces confront new threats such as natural disasters if they are incapacitated?
The men and women in uniform have not wavered even as the country is bedevilled by economic challenges, executing their tasks with great aplomb. They are the reason why we continue enjoying peace.
We believe the government is not prioritising the defence forces. When government recently spent millions on new cars for ministers, lawmakers and chiefs, it forgot a key constituency that has ensured that Zimbabwe continues to enjoy peace.
Year in, year out, they are told that government will improve their welfare. It now sounds like a broken record as the wheels have moved slowly on that front.
The ministry of Defence must press for more resources from Treasury to cater for the defence forces. We must never compromise on matters of national security.
Mayihlome said the defence forces could not go on strike as they had committed themselves to “what we call the ultimate sacrifice” and they should be listened to when they raise concern about their conditions of service.
“We do not want a disgruntled force, otherwise we cannot be assured or guaranteed of our national security,” he said.
We agree in toto.
