The Missing Third Leg: Retired Security Forces Launch Their Own National Association
The Zimbabwe Retired Security Forces Association says it is not replacing war veterans or collaborators, but completing the family.
By Percy Nhara | Southerton Business Times
Since independence in 1980, two national bodies have spoken for those who took part in the liberation struggle. The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association represents veterans of the Second Chimurenga. The War Collaborators Association represents those who sustained the struggle from behind the lines.
No national body has spoken for those who served after independence, the soldier who joined in 1982, the police officer with 30 years' service, the prison officer, the Air Force technician, the intelligence officer, or the widow still chasing a pension file. The Zimbabwe Retired Security Forces Association (ZRSFA) says it now fills that gap.
Not to replace, but to complete
ZRSFA leaders say they are not rivals of war veterans or collaborators. "We stand with them. One history. Three generations of service," one national leader told this publication. The association sees itself as the third leg of one family: liberation veterans who won independence, collaborators who sustained the struggle, and retired security forces who guarded that independence. Its motto, printed on its national leadership poster, is "Dedicated to Service, Unity, Dignity, Economic Empowerment."
Why it was formed
Founder and National Chairman Azizi Takure said welfare was the trigger. After serving the nation, he said he felt he should keep contributing by taking part in the economy. "The effort came after realising our members were retiring, and most of them could not survive long after retirement," he said. "Welfare of Zimbabwe Retired Security Forces Association was key leading to its formation."
He said the association is officially registered and has structures in all 10 provinces, and is now moving down to district and ward level.
Who leads it
The national leadership unveiled this week is:
Founder and National Chairman: Azizi Takure
Vice Chairman: Oscar Madzvimbo
Secretary General: Robson Mutaringe
Treasurer: Sekai Makozho
Projects: Farayi Chidowe
Public Relations Director: Joel Phiri
Provincial leaders named so far are Tafirenyika Chibanda (Harare), Wahita Steven (Mashonaland West), Solomon Chikuku (Masvingo), Tafirei Shumba (Matabeleland South), Thando Mabena (Bulawayo), Elizabeth Banda (Mashonaland Central) and Mthenjwa Hadebe (Matabeleland North).
Self-funded projects and a company to come
Mr Takure said the association has already started projects in the provinces, funded from members' monthly contributions rather than outside donors. These are mainly animal husbandry and crop farming. The plan is to extend them to district and ward level to create what he called "generational wealth."
He said the aim is to promote a "rural industrial revolution," in support of the development strategies set out by President Dr E.D. Mnangagwa. The association also plans to register a company it will own, called JIAZ (Joint Initiative Association Zimbabwe), with subsidiaries in provinces and districts. Serving members are encouraged to join an investment programme. Mr Takure added that the association falls under the country's reserve force, "so we maintain discipline in everything we do."
Is it political?
Asked about politics, Mr Takure answered briefly: "Politics, we support the Leadership." He did not name a party, and the association has not publicly declared an affiliation. Even so, an organised bloc of retired security personnel is likely to be watched closely by every side in Zimbabwean politics, for three reasons:
Spread. Almost every ward has a retired soldier, police officer or prison officer.
Local influence. Retired officers are often opinion leaders at funerals, church and school meetings.
Bargaining power. One pensioner chasing a file is easily ignored. Thousands under one letterhead are harder to ignore, whether by government, pension funds or political parties.
What members can expect
The association says its focus is practical:
Follow-up on pensions, gratuities and medical benefits
Dignity in retirement, including recognition and proper funerals
Economic empowerment through projects, cooperatives, stands, tenders, farming and transport
For serving officers, the pitch is: "Serve well. Retire with dignity. We are waiting for you."
Why now
The launch comes as pensions, youth unemployment and the 2027 National Budget dominate public debate. Many retired officers live on small pensions, and members say they have been quiet for too long.
"We did not ask for a stadium. We asked for dignity," one member said. The association is formed. The question now is who will listen first.
Zimbabwe Retired Security Forces Association
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