DRC war:- Zimbabwe's military might versus South Africa's Mabhenas

When it comes to military prowess in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe's army, led by General Vitalis Zvinavashe under the able leadership of Robert Mugabe and later President Emmerson Mnangagwa, stands out as one of the most formidable forces the continent has ever known. Though not often recognized on the global stage for their military feats, Zimbabwe's defense forces boast a record that few can rival, especially in the context of the turbulent political dynamics of Africa's Great Lakes region.
When Zimbabwe intervened in the DRC during the late 1990s as part of the Second Congo War (1998–2003),  Army General: General Vitalis Zvinavashe was the Commander of the ZDF at the time. Minister of Defence: Moven Mahachi initially held the position but passed away in 2001.

One of the most significant moments in Zimbabwe's military history came during the Second Congo War in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a conflict that saw Zimbabwe's army play a decisive role in driving back Rwanda's military from the streets of Kinshasa. Had General James Kabarebe, a key figure in Rwanda's military, been successful in toppling the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the entire political landscape of Central Africa could have been altered. Zimbabwe's intervention, however, ensured that Rwanda's ambitions were thwarted, stabilizing the region in ways that many outside of Zimbabwe fail to recognize.

Indeed, when the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) were pressured to leave the DRC in 2002, under the influence of United Nations manipulation and Western sanctions, the situation in the DRC deteriorated rapidly. Since then, Rwanda has been accused of sponsoring various rebel movements that have destabilized the country, including the notorious M23 group. Without the strong military presence of the Zimbabwean forces, the DRC has become a battleground for regional powers, with the Rwandan-backed militias playing a central role in this ongoing instability.

Zimbabwe's military record highlights the strength and discipline of its forces, particularly when compared to other regional armies. South Africa, with its large and modern defense forces, may have an impressive arsenal, but it lacks the combat experience that Zimbabwe's military brings to the table. South African forces, as evidenced in places like Goma, have been unable to match the resilience and determination of Zimbabwe's battle-hardened troops. The truth is, while the South African military may have the resources, it does not have the same level of operational expertise when it comes to the complex guerrilla and proxy warfare strategies that are prevalent in the DRC and other parts of Africa.

This gap in military experience became clear when South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had no choice but to reach out to Rwanda's President Paul Kagame in recent times, looking to smooth over tensions that had arisen due to growing instability in the region. Ramaphosa's diplomatic maneuvering was a clear acknowledgment of the fact that Rwanda's influence, underpinned by its military power, is a force to be reckoned with in the Great Lakes region. However, this was also a reminder that when it comes to confronting such forces head-on, Zimbabwe's military remains an unyielding presence in Southern Africa.

South Africa's army has no experience fighting anywhere. It's full of fat and unfit Mabhenas who get routed by rebel outfits in Goma.

The Zimbabwean army's legacy is one of resilience, strategic foresight, and unmatched regional influence. While the country's political landscape has undergone significant changes over the years, the military's strength remains a critical factor in shaping not only Zimbabwe's future but the security of the wider Southern African region. In a world where the balance of power is constantly shifting, Zimbabwe's army, despite facing challenges, continues to hold its ground, proving time and again that its role in regional security is indispensable.

In conclusion, while some may choose to downplay the significance of Zimbabwe's military, its historic achievements, particularly in the DRC, paint a picture of an army that has consistently played a vital role in shaping the destiny of Southern Africa. The ZDF's success in repelling Rwanda's advances and its continued relevance in regional security highlight the strategic importance of Zimbabwe's military, making it an undeniable force in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).