MEMBERS of the Air Force of Zimbabwe based at Josiah Tungamirai Airbase in Gweru have embarked on social responsibility outreach programmes to assist the vulnerable as part of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Community Assistance Week.

The outreach initiatives aim to support vulnerable groups in their local community.

The commemorative week, observed ahead of the annual ZDF Day celebrations, provides an opportunity for members of the military to give back to society through acts of service and charity.

On Monday, the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) team visited Batanai Old People’s Home in Senga suburb, Gweru, where they spent time with elderly residents and offered critical support services.

The following day, they proceeded to the Queen of Peace Rehabilitation Centre, where they handed over essential supplies and interacted with patients.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Zimbabwe Defense forces, in particular our officers from the Josiah Tungamirai Airbase. Today, you came and spent some time with us while providing these critical goodies. Some of us have been failing to get the basic requirements for our day-to-day survival,” Patient at Queen of Peace, Mr Justice Dondo said.

Speaking during the outreach, Air Commodore Mubaira Dliwayo, Commander of Josiah Tungamirai Airbase, underscored the importance of military-community partnerships in national development.

“This week serves as a reminder that our duty extends beyond the battlefield; it encompasses acts of kindness and generosity towards those who might be less fortunate. This week offers us an opportunity to engage with various community initiatives aimed at improving lives across Zimbabwe, whether through food drives, educational programmes, building health services, each contribution counts,” he said.

AFZ reiterated its commitment to implementing community-focused programmes in line with the Second Republic’s development agenda and the national thrust of leaving no one and no place behind.

The ZDF Community Assistance Week continues to be a cornerstone of military-civilian relations, reinforcing the role of the defence forces not only as protectors of national sovereignty but also as key contributors to the social fabric of the nation.

As the country moves towards Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day commemorations, such initiatives serve as a powerful reminder of the Defence Forces’ holistic contribution to peace, development, and unity.