Preparations for the 2026 Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations are underway, with the national event scheduled for Rufaro Stadium on August 11.
Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Soda Zhemu, said Cabinet had approved the programme for the commemorations following a presentation by the Acting Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on State Occasions and National Monuments, Daniel Garwe.
“The 2026 Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day celebrations will be held on 11 August 2026 at Rufaro Stadium,” said Dr Zhemu.
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The celebrations will run under the theme: “ZDF: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030.”
Dr Zhemu said the celebrations would feature several activities, including the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Community Assistance Week, military displays and sporting activities.
“The highlights of the celebrations will include the ZDF Community Assistance Week, the Address by His Excellency the President, the Military Parade, Military Displays, entertainment by civilian groups and the ZDF Sports Day,” he said.
He said the address by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, would be the main highlight of the commemorations.
“The Address to the nation by His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces will be the major highlight of the celebrations,” said Dr Zhemu.
The ZDF Community Assistance Week, which serves as a precursor to the commemorations, will run from July 27 to July 31.
“During this period, completed projects constructed by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces will be commissioned as part of the Defence Forces’ contribution to national development,” Dr Zhemu said.
The annual Defence Forces Day commemorations recognise the role of the military in safeguarding national sovereignty, peace and security.
