A proposal for the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) to be allowed to participate in government tenders has been tabled at the 2025 Pre-Budget Seminar held in Bulawayo this week.
The Parliament Portfolio Committee on Defence, Home Affairs, Veterans of Liberation and Security Services recommended that the ZDF be granted opportunities to compete for tenders in national development projects such as road rehabilitation, and the construction of schools, hospitals, and institutional infrastructure.
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According to the Committee, the move would help the Defence Forces utilise their skilled and trained manpower to generate internal resources, enhance self-sustainability, and reduce reliance on Treasury allocations. The Committee noted that, similar to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the ZDF largely operates as a service provider with limited avenues for revenue generation.
The proposal also suggests involving the ZDF in key national development projects, including road construction and the building of institutional accommodation, to contribute more directly to infrastructure development while addressing fiscal constraints faced by the government.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Hon. Kazembe Kazembe, used the same platform to urge for a budget that prioritises the welfare of police officers. He expressed concern over the poor living conditions of some Zimbabwe Republic Police members, many of whom still share accommodation and divide rooms with curtains.
Kazembe described the situation as “deplorable” and called for increased funding to provide decent and modern housing for officers, saying improved welfare would boost morale, discipline, and professionalism within the force.
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