Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Sikhumbuzo Moyo recently in Mbalabala
A TOTAL of 397 uniformed officers graduated with certificates during a combined graduation ceremony at the province on Friday after completing training in nine different courses.
Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Chief of Staff Administration, Major-General Emmanuel Matatu, presided over the colourful graduation event.
He charged the graduating officers, who were drawn from the ZNA, the Air force of Zimbabwe (AFZ), the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) to remain disciplined and diligent in their discharge of national duty.
“Indeed, today, more than ever before, security organisations require members who are loyal, disciplined, well trained and dedicated to effectively and efficiently execute their duties,” said Maj-Gen Matatu.
“It is through these attributes that a force can succeed in all its operational undertakings. Let me on the same note warn you to desist from any forms of indiscipline that may tarnish the image of your organisations.
“Such activities will not be tolerated and those found on the wrong side of the law will always be dealt with severely.”
He challenged the graduating officers to go back to their units with their heads held high and discharge their duties and responsibilities well. Maj-Gen Matatu said in compliance with the school’s mandate, the courses focused on producing highly competent, proficient and hardworking small arms and tactics instructors, battalion support weapons, instructors and commanders, as well as military administrators and logistics managers within the non-commissioned members bracket.
He said the school also endeavoured to train infantry soldiers to become efficient support weapons users.
“I am pleased to note that the graduands have been sufficiently drilled mentally and physically to endure both peace and war time challenges. On that note, let me hasten to remind you that drilling is the foundation of military discipline and its importance can never be over emphasised.
“It is the cornerstone of military discipline, loyalty, respect, honour, dignity, personal courage and integrity,” said Maj-Gen Matatu.
He said drilling is very essential in the preparation of soldiers to effectively execute their duties both in peace and war time while psychologically, it inculcates a sense of teamwork, alertness and self-control.
“Having said that, let me at this juncture, congratulate you all for making it to this day. I am also aware that some of you wished to have performed better than what they did,” said Maj-Gen Matatu.
“If you win the trust and affection of your soldiers, they will definitely win all the battles for you. As individuals there are limits to our strengths but together as a team we can overcome these limitations.”
The officers went through an 18-month intense training in various courses for senior non-commissioned members management, platoon commanders and two second in charge commanders’ course, ceremonial drills instructors’ course, sergeant and drills instructors’ course, platoon sergeant tactics course, small arms instructors’ course, battalion support weapons instructors’ course, section commanders course, as well as battalion support weapons users course.
The graduation parade was marked by exciting mass displays from the graduands, which also included a colourful mock military wedding.
Before the keynote address, retiring ZNA Army Sergeant Major Julius Ncube donated his pace stick and ceremonial dress (green suit) to the school. Sergeant Major Ncube retires now carrying the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
mbulelo smpofu
