Freedom Mupanedemo, Midlands Bureau

The President has officially commissioned 105 officer cadets during the 41st Commissioning Parade at the Zimbabwe Military Academy, congratulating the graduates for choosing to serve the country through military service.

Addressing the parade as Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Mnangagwa said the milestone demonstrated the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ continued commitment to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and national security.

“This milestone and success shows commitment by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to continue contribution to our territorial integrity and national security,” he said.

The President noted that the pass-out parade marked the end of the first joint training programme undertaken at the academy between the Zimbabwe National Army and the Air Force of Zimbabwe.

He revealed that although the course recorded a higher number of dropouts due to its rigorous nature, 105 officer cadets successfully completed the programme.

“This course has a higher number of drop outs but 105 officer cadets were resolute and managed to graduate. I congratulate particularly the 20 female cadets who stood shoulder to shoulder and graduate today,” said President Mnangagwa.

The President commended the defence forces for modernising training programmes to meet evolving global security demands.

“I commend the ZDF for infusing the 21st century warfare which says not only physical training can make a complete military personnel but educational skills and technologies that make them complete,” he said.

He urged the newly commissioned officers to remain vigilant in the face of emerging global threats.

“They should be abreast to the digital security threats that the world is facing,” he said, adding that Zimbabwe, through the African Union and SADC, is forging partnerships to safeguard the region from cyber threats.

President Mnangagwa emphasised the enduring relationship between the military and civilians.

“We are like fish and the people are like water this remains our mantra in emphasising the intricate relationship between the ZDF and the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.

Reflecting on the country’s history, the President said lessons from the past must remain a constant reminder of the need to defend national sovereignty.

“That painful part of our painful past should continue to be a constant reminder of how you should stay ready to defend our country,” he said.

He called on the newly commissioned officers to remain loyal and patriotic throughout their careers.

“You the new members are called upon to be unflinching patriots from today throughout your career,” he said.

President Mnangagwa also expressed gratitude to Midlands State University for offering diploma programmes to officer cadets.

“I extend my gratitude to the MSU for offering diploma programmes to our officer cadets so they carry the soldier and book patriotism,” he said.

He reminded the graduates that military service demands selflessness and sacrifice.

“May I remind you that military service means that duty comes first before personal interest,” he said.

“Cadet training has armed you with basic tactical skills you are no longer civilians welcome to the world of sacrifice and endurance.”

The President further urged the officers to avoid social ills.

“I urge you to shun drugs and substance abuse which is now a national problem,” he said.

He thanked the Gweru community and stakeholders for supporting the academy in mentoring cadets into disciplined officers.