HARARE – A government official has disclosed that morale among members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) has significantly declined due to inadequate funding.
This financial shortfall has led some military personnel to engage in corrupt activities as they struggle to make ends meet.
Speaking during a recent pre-budget seminar at the New Parliament Building in Harare, Defence deputy minister Levi Mayihlome highlighted that the Ministry of Defence has been grappling with insufficient budget allocations.
As a result, the ZDF faces various challenges, including issues with conditions of service, equipment acquisition and maintenance, and training.
Mayihlome emphasized that comprehensive and continuous training is essential for soldiers’ discipline.
Still, budget constraints have forced the ministry to abandon training programs, leading to issues like drug and substance abuse.
The minister also raised concerns about the lack of equipment replacement, explaining that reserve stocks from the war era were never replenished, affecting the army’s capability.
Underfunding has also hindered technological updates, putting the nation’s defence at risk.
Mayihlome expressed the concern that low salaries, limited transportation options, and inadequate fuel provisions could lead to low morale among soldiers, undermining the nation’s defence capability.
Mayihlome urged the Treasury to increase funding for the ministry and enhance the living conditions of military personnel.
In particular, he called for the revival of a mortgage scheme for housing to accommodate the needs of Zimbabwean soldiers.
These revelations come at a time when some members of the defense forces have been implicated in criminal activities, including armed robbery and theft.
Reports have suggested that poor working conditions and declining living standards for soldiers could pose challenges for President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who came to power through a military coup in 2017.
Critics argue that Mnangagwa’s administration has neglected low-ranking soldiers, resulting in torn uniforms and inadequate gear, while the top military brass has received various benefits, including top-of-the-range vehicles, houses, loans, and farms.
This situation has raised concerns about the loyalty and morale of the armed forces in Zimbabwe.
