General Jaffu given Guard of Honour by Zambia Air Force
* The two defence forces continue to foster military cooperation in the area of joint training exchange programs for professional military courses
* And benchmarking exercises to ensure that best practices are adopted by both Defence Forces
Maravi Express
In pursuit of strengthening bilateral cooperation on defence and security, Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Chief of Defence Force, General George Alexander Jaffu, Jnr. has paid a courtesy official visit to Zambia, where he has been assured by Deputy Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Commander & Chief of Air Staff (COAIRS), Major General Henry Chiwaya of continued bilateral and military cooperation.
Advertisement
On its official Facebook account, ZAF reports that Major General Henry Chiwaya — representing ZAF Commander, Lieutenant General Oscar Mstitu Nyoni at ZAF Headquarters on Monday, March 30 — described the people of Malawi and Zambia as one people separated borders.
“As you may be undoubtedly aware Zambia and Malawi were part of one country, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, along with our brothers from Zimbabwe and this is why our people share common values, language and culture,” Maj Gen Chiwaya is quoted as saying.
He further stated that the shared strong history and bilateral relations remain critical to addressing common challenges that affect the two countries, citing the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy, when Republic of Zambia’s President & Commander-In-Chief of the Defence Force, Hakainde Hichilema did not hesitate to assist and direct ZAF to provide air platforms to evacuate the flood victims and distribute humanitarian aid.
He added that during the tragic loss of Malawi’s Vice-President, Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima, the Air Force joined the search and rescue efforts and provided aerial assistance and transportation.
Maj Gen Chiwaya also thanked the MDF for its participation in the planning and execution of the 2025 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Blue Exercise Lugwasho.
“As regards our economic relationship, Zambia exports cement, iron and tobacco to Malawi and imports raw plastic sheeting, soybean meal, fertilizer, Malawi tea — and most importantly SOBO juice and Malawi Gin, among other things.
“This trade between our economies boasts growth and builds bridges for our people,” Maj Gen Chiwaya is quoted as saying, while also indicating hat the two Defence Forces continue to foster military cooperation in the area of joint training exchange programs for professional military courses and benchmarking exercises to ensure that best practices are adopted by both institutions.
General Jaffu is reported to have expressed his gratitude to the ZAF for the training of Malawi Air Force pilots and technicians, adding that the MDF would reciprocate with training offers in areas of mutual interest.
Furthermore, General Jaffu reaffirmed the MDF’s commitment towards continued collaboration in building capacity in programs as well as combating transnational boarder crimes, curbing illegal migration and illegal mining.
On its part, the MDF reported on its social media platform, describing the visit as an “important engagement that seeks to explore how the ZAF integrates defence strategy with food and economic security, which are critical pillars for sustaining national stability and resilience”.
The MDF reports further that the visit follows the recent Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security (JPCDS) meeting held in Malawi last December where the Zambia National Service (ZNS) extended an invitation to General Jaffu to tour its facilities — “an initiative that emerged directly from the collaborative resolutions of the JPCDS”.
The CDF’s itinerary included a tour of the ZNS Chongwe Milling Plant, where he appreciated the production of mealie meal, a key component in preparing Nshima, Zambia’s staple food. The facility stands as a vital contributor to strengthening national food security.
The MDF Chief of Defence Force toured the ZNS Chisamba Unit, which is dedicated to livestock production and Airport Unit farms that cultivates maize, wheat, soya, and other cash crops across more than 100 hectares.
“Together, these initiatives cover the full agricultural value chain from production to distribution and marketing. The Airport Unit is further diversifying into wildlife ranching, alongside piggery and poultry farming. Its operations supply eggs, cull layers, vegetables, as well as pork, beef, and sausages, to the public through chain stores and supermarkets.
“In addition, the Unit provides cattle and pigs as breeding stock to local farmers, thereby strengthening community livelihoods and contributing to the national economy.”
The MDF further reports that beyond his visits to ZNS facilities, General Jaffu paid courtesy calls on Malawian High Commissioner and the Zambian Minister of Defence as well as laying wreaths at Embassy Park, Zambia’s Presidential Burial Site in Lusaka — a national monument serves as the official resting place for Zambia’s former Heads of State.
“The Chief of Defence Force honoured the memory of Presidents Kenneth Kaunda, Frederick Chiluba, Levy Mwanawasa, Rupiah Banda, and Michael Sata by laying wreaths at their mausoleums.
“The Chief of Defence Force also held meetings with the Zambia Army Commander, Air Force Commander, and ZNS Commander, and visited the ZNS Makeni Garrison, which is tasked with repairing and maintaining military service vehicles as well as producing service uniforms.
“These initiatives are designed to reduce budgetary pressures and conserve foreign exchange reserves by strengthening local capacity. Throughout these engagements, General Jaffu underscored the evolving role of modern militaries.
“He highlighted that today’s defence institutions are broadening their focus beyond traditional security threats to also address contemporary human security challenges, including food and economic security.
“This visit not only strengthens the bonds between Malawi and Zambia but also underscores the critical importance of joint efforts in advancing food security and economic stability across the region.
Meanwhile, following General Jaffu’s visit to South Africa where he attended the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Armed Forces Day in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, on February 21, his host General Rudzani Maphwanya reciprocated last week in the bid to strengthen diplomatic and military relations.
The SANDF Chief was welcomed at Kamuzu Barracks with full military honours, including a General Salute mounted by the Second Battalion of the MDF, underscoring the significance of the visit and the long-standing ties between the two defence forces.
The MDF reports that the two commanders held bilateral discussions “focusing on areas of mutual interest and key among them were enhancing defence cooperation, strengthening joint training programmes, and promoting knowledge exchange between the MDF and SANDF”.
“The discussion also explored opportunities for collaboration in peacekeeping operations, regional security, and capacity building areas in which both nations have played active roles within the Southern African region and beyond.
“The visit highlights the continued commitment by both Malawi and South Africa to deepen military to military relations and foster regional stability through strategic partnerships. It also reaffirms the importance of cooperation among African Defence forces in addressing shared security challenges.
“General Maphwanya’s visit marks another important step in consolidating the cordial relations between the two countries’ armed forces, as they work together to enhance operational effectiveness and contribute to peace and security on the continent.”
The SANDF Armed Forces Day that General Jaffu attended — graced by SANDF Commander-in-Chief, President Cyril Ramaphosa — is South Africa’s annual commemoration honouring SANDF personnel and remembering the SS Mendi Tragedy of 1917, in which more than 600 soldiers lost their lives.
The 2026 observance in Thohoyandou featured solemn tributes, military parades, and public exhibitions showcasing the SANDF’s capabilities and readiness — where President Ramaphosa paid tribute to the fallen heroes and reaffirmed the defence force’s enduring role in safeguarding national sovereignty, supporting peacekeeping operations, and assisting communities in times of disaster.
He further announced South Africa’s decision to draw down its participation as a troop-contributing nation in the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), noting that the withdrawal would be conducted in a phased and carefully orchestrated manner to ensure the safe return of personnel and equipment.
At the same time, Ramaphosa it reported to have reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to peace and security initiatives under the United Nations, the African Union, and SADC — “emphasising that these efforts must be anchored in strong regional cooperation to confront shared security challenges across the continent”.
“General Jaffu’s attendance underscored Malawi’s commitment to strengthening bilateral defence relations with South Africa and advancing regional military diplomacy,” reports that MDF, adding that he was joined by Chiefs of Defence Forces and senior military leaders from Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and Mozambique.
“The event highlighted the collective resolve of African nations to deepen collaboration, build mutual trust, and foster unity in addressing common security concerns. For Malawi, participation in such events affirms the MDF’s role as a steadfast guardian of national sovereignty and a trusted partner in promoting regional peace and stability.—Reporting by Zambia Air Force Media and MDF Media’s Major Wilned Chawinga & Corporal Andrew Chipanda; edited by Duncan Mlanjira, Maravi Express
Advertisement