The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) recognizes social media as an important communication platform that enables timely dissemination of information, public engagement, national awareness, military education, and promotion of the values, mission, and achievements of the Defence Forces of Zimbabwe.
This Social Media Policy establishes the principles, standards, responsibilities, and legal obligations governing the management and use of official Zimbabwe National Army social media platforms. The policy seeks to ensure that all online communications uphold national security, military professionalism, constitutional principles, public trust, and the laws of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
Core Commitment: The Zimbabwe National Army remains committed to transparency, accountability, patriotism, professionalism, and responsible digital engagement while safeguarding national interests and operational security.
All official Zimbabwe National Army social media activities shall be conducted in accordance with:
- Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act, 2013
- Defence Act [Chapter 11:02]
- Public Entities Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10:31]
- Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07]
- Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23]
- Official Secrets Act [Chapter 11:09]
- Access to Information and Protection of Privacy legislation
- National Information and Communication Technology policies
- Any directives issued by the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs
- Standing Orders and Regulations of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces
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Where applicable, the Zimbabwe National Army shall cooperate with lawful requests from competent authorities concerning cyber security, criminal investigations, and protection of national interests.
Official Zimbabwe National Army social media accounts serve the following strategic purposes:
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Public Information
Providing accurate and timely information concerning:
- Military activities & Public events
- National ceremonies
- Community outreach programmes
- Recruitment announcements
- Training & Humanitarian operations
- Infrastructure development projects
- Defence diplomacy activities
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National Awareness
Promoting core values including:
- Patriotism & National unity
- Civic responsibility
- Military heritage
- National security awareness
- Constitutional values
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Public Engagement
Facilitating constructive interaction between:
- Citizens & Veterans
- Serving members
- Government institutions
- Development partners
- Academic & Media organizations
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Strategic Communication: Supporting the national strategic communication objectives of the Government of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
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Authorized Channels
The ZNA may maintain verified official accounts on:
- Facebook, X (formerly Twitter)
- Instagram, Threads
- YouTube, TikTok
- WhatsApp Channels
Additional platforms may be adopted subject to operational requirements.
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Account Verification
Citizens are encouraged to engage only with verified accounts which shall:
- Display official branding & insignia
- Operate under ZNA Public Relations Directorate
- Publish officially approved content
warning The Zimbabwe National Army shall not be responsible for information published by unofficial, impersonated, parody, or unauthorized accounts.
All content published on official platforms shall strictly adhere to these standards:
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Be Accurate
- Factually correct and verified
- Verifiable via Mobile Apps, Whatsapp, USSD, SMS and Website
- Authorized for release
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Be Professional
- Reflect military discipline
- Maintain professional conduct
- Uphold institutional integrity
- Show respect for national symbols
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Be Lawful
- Comply with Zimbabwean laws
- Adhere to Military regulations
- Follow Government policies
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Be Patriotic
- Foster national pride and unity
- Promote peace and development
- Respect Zimbabwe's sovereignty
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Be Non-Partisan
The Zimbabwe National Army is a professional national institution serving the Republic of Zimbabwe and all its citizens. Official platforms shall not be used to:
- Promote political parties
- Endorse political candidates
- Endorse ambitious individuals
- Campaign for political interests
- Advance partisan agendas
Protection of national security remains paramount. The following information shall not be published without authorization:
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Military Operations
- Current operational deployments
- Tactical movements
- Mission planning
- Intelligence activities
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Military Infrastructure
- Restricted facilities
- Security installations
- Defence systems
- Sensitive locations
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Personnel Information
- Personal details of serving members
- Identification numbers
- Residential information
- Protected personnel records
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Classified Information: No classified, confidential, restricted, or protected information may be disclosed through social media. Any unauthorized disclosure may result in disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, or both.
The Zimbabwe National Army reserves the right to MODERATE and TAKE DOWN content that contains or institute legal proceeding against such:
Illegal Content
- Criminal activities
- Cybercrime material
- Fraudulent content
Hate Speech
- Tribal hatred
- Ethnic discrimination
- Racism & Xenophobia
Defamation
- False allegations
- Character attacks
- Harmful misinformation
Threats & Incitement
- Violence
- Terrorism
- Insurrection
Obscene Material
- Pornographic content
- Offensive imagery
- Vulgar language
Security Risks
- Sensitive info disclosure
- Restricted info attempts
- Encouraging unlawful acts
Enforcement: Such content may be Hidden, Removed, Reported, or Referred to relevant authorities for legal proceedings.
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Intellectual Property
All official ZNA content (Photographs, Videos, Publications, Logos, Graphics, Military insignia) remains the property of the Zimbabwe National Army.
Unauthorized reproduction, modification, or commercial use may constitute infringement. Permission must be obtained for commercial reuse.
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Data Protection
ZNA respects privacy rights and processes data in accordance with the Cyber and Data Protection Act.
Users should avoid sharing National ID numbers, Residential addresses, Banking information, or Sensitive personal information in public interactions.
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Crisis Communication
During emergencies, disasters, or national crises, official ZNA social media shall serve as authoritative communication channels.
The public must rely only on official announcements and avoid sharing unverified information.
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Media Inquiries
Media organizations seeking official statements should use established public affairs channels.
Only the authorized Zimbabwe National Army Public Relations Director is permitted to issue official military statements.
The Zimbabwe National Army endeavors to provide accurate, timely, and reliable information through its official social media platforms. However:
- Information may be updated, modified, or removed without notice.
- External links do not necessarily imply endorsement.
- User-generated content reflects the views of individual users and not those of the Zimbabwe National Army.
- The Zimbabwe National Army accepts no liability for content published by third parties on external platforms.
Engagement with official social media platforms constitutes acceptance of this policy and all applicable laws of Zimbabwe.
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The Zimbabwe National Army remains dedicated to maintaining professional, secure, responsible, and patriotic social media engagement that supports national development, safeguards national security, promotes transparency, and strengthens the bond between the Army and the people of Zimbabwe.
"Serving the Nation with Honour, Loyalty, Professionalism and Integrity."
Director Army Public Relations
For Commander Zimbabwe National Army
