PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday said Government is committed
to improving the welfare of members of the security services.
The President said this during the commissioning of 138
junior officers at the Zimbabwe Military Academy (ZMA) in Gweru.
“Government will continue to improve the conditions of
service for the Defence Forces and other security apparatus. We will endeavour to
provide decent accommodation and other amenities that are necessary for you to
effectively carry out your duties,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe remains committed to the
promotion of regional and continental integration.
“The Zimbabwe Defence Forces will therefore continue to be
an active participant in the Southern African Development Community (Sadc)
standby force to enhance peace and security in the region and within member
states,” said the President.
Yesterday’s graduation and pass-out parade of Regular
Officer Cadet Course was the 36th to be held at ZMA since independence and had
an initial 214 recruits of which 45 were females.
One female recruit died due to illness during the course of
training.
President Mnangagwa who is the Head of State and Government
and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, urged the ZMA to revisit
its recruitment criteria after 76 recruits dropped out due to various reasons.
He said the ZMA should be innovative and use broader
assessment in its selection to avoid loss of life and reduce the number of
dropouts.
“I’m advised that Regular Officer Cadet Course number
3/36/18 commenced on 3 September 2016 with an initial enrolment of 214
candidates of whom 45 were females. It is disheartening that 76 recruits
dropped out of the course including one who passed on due to illness. I wish to
extend my profound condolences to the family and friends of the departed. May
her soul rest in peace,” he said.
President Mnangagwa urged the Academy to adopt more
contemporary and scientific indicators and variables during the selection of
recruits.
“This should enable the assessment of a broader range of
abilities, traits and competencies that attract a higher calibre of cadets as
well as minimising the risk and costs of dropouts,” he said.
The President said he was confident that from the skills
acquired, the graduates had been moulded into competitive young officers for
modern day military warfare, endowed with integrity, proficiency and
efficiency.
He said the qualities combined with selflessness, hard work
and patriotism are the hallmarks of good military leaders.
“The 21 months of Regular Officer Cadet Course which was
divided into three phases, namely basic military skills, conventional warfare
and low intensity operations, equipped you with the requisite tactical,
regimental and administrative skills. These will assist you to serve as regular
and competent officers of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces,” said President
Mnangagwa.
He said going forward, and in line with Government’s
multi-faceted modernisation, deliberate investment will be made towards
facilitating cadets to gain the requisite exposure through training exercises
and simulations equipment that expose them to possible situations in a technologically
evolving warfare.
The President commended ZMA for its continued systematic
integration of female officer cadets into the course thereby ensuring gender
mainstreaming and also creating equal opportunities for both women and men.
He said it was also gratifying that 135 of the 138
graduates are also graduating with Diplomas in Military Training and Education
courtesy of ZMA’s association with the Midlands State University.
He said the military Academy should also take advantage of
the Zimbabwe National Defence University to produce fine military personnel in
the face of growing global military technology.
President Mnangagwa commended the ZDF and the graduates for
their sacrifice in the face of the challenging economic situation and Covid-19 which
affected the latter part of the training.
“The course number 3/36/18 was undertaken against the
backdrop of challenging economic conditions, characterised by severe drought
and the continuing debilitating illegal sanctions. This was worsened by the outbreak
of the Covid-19 pandemic which brought about other challenges and realities.
Let me commend ZMA staff and yourselves for playing your part in the fight and
reduction of the spread of the coronavirus,” he said.
The President said the cadets should also be inspired by
their tour of liberation shrines such as Chimoio in Mozambique and Freedom Camp
in Zambia. He said the visits to such historical shines should instil a sense
of patriotism.
“Visits to such places of historical significance should be
encouraged not only for members of the military establishment but also people
from the private sector and the general public. This will help cultivate a
deeper understanding of our struggle for independence, self-determination and
social justice,” he said. Herald
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