Harare – Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri has moved to clarify the Zimbabwean government’s official army recruitment policy, dismissing allegations that membership in the ruling ZANU PF party is a prerequisite for joining the military.

Appearing before Parliament on Thursday, Minister Muchinguri described the claims as “hearsay” and reaffirmed that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) are mandated by the constitution to be national and non-partisan in character.

The Minister was responding to a question from Masvingo Urban Martin Mureri who sought an explanation regarding utterances allegedly made on 6 October 2025 at Chief Nhema’s homestead. The allegations suggested that government policy favoured the recruitment of ZANU PF members into the army.

“It is not government policy to only recruit ZANU PF members to the army,” Minister Muchinguri told the August House. “The alleged utterances are hearsay and do not reflect government army recruitment policy.”

To provide clarity, the Minister outlined the constitutional and legal framework governing recruitment into the armed forces. She stated that the ZDF recruitment policy is strictly guided by Section 211 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which demands that the Defence Forces be non-partisan, national in character, and subordinate to civilian authority.

“We could not identify the person who made the alleged utterances. Nevertheless, my response is to apprise this August House on the Zimbabwe Defence Forces recruitment policy,” she added.

Recruitment Criteria Detailed

In a detailed breakdown of the recruitment process, Minister Muchinguri emphasized that the ZDF must recruit from all administrative provinces in equal numbers to ensure fair regional representation, as compelled by Section 18 of the constitution. She noted that recruitment notices are publicised on electronic and print media and disseminated by community leaders, including Members of Parliament and traditional leaders.

The Minister laid out the basic academic and physical requirements for potential recruits:

She said for general recruits, a minimum of five ‘O’ Level passes with a grade C or better and being aged between 18 and 22 years are the requirements.

She told parliament that weight requirements are set at not less than 55 kgs for males and 53 kgs for females. For officer cadets. a minimum of 6 points at ‘A’ Level or five ‘O’ Level passes including English and Mathematics while the age limits are set between 18 and 22 years for ‘A’ Level holders, extending to 26 years for diploma or degree holders.

Muchinguri acknowledged that there are special cases, such as in the Matabeleland region, where lower applicant numbers have prompted a waiving of some qualifications to comply with constitutional provisions on regional balance.

Call for More Female Recruits

The Defence Minister also addressed the issue of gender balance within the forces. While stating that the ZDF actively promotes gender balance as required by Section 17 of the constitution, she expressed regret over the low number of female applicants.

“Regrettably the numbers for our young girls presenting themselves to serve in the organization are still very low despite the rigorous campaign by our teams,” she said. “My ministry will continue encouraging the enrollment of more female recruits in order to address the gender imbalances as reflected by the fewer women in the higher ranks.”

Minister Muchinguri concluded by reiterating that the ZDF maintains a national character, affording all eligible Zimbabwean citizens an equal opportunity to serve.

She invited any citizens with factual allegations of malpractice to present their cases to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate for further management.