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1 Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier-General Augustine Chipwere (left) presents a shield to one of the best students Jabulani Ncube during a joint pass-out parade at the Zimbabwe School of Infantry in Mbalabala yesterday. Looking on is the commandant of the school Colonel Posani Masaka

Prince Sunduzani, Chronicle Reporter
SOLDIERS have been urged to remain resolute in defending the country’s independence and not be swayed by people who seek to reverse the gains of the revolution.

In a speech read on his behalf by Brigadier General Augustine Chipwere at a graduation ceremony of the Zimbabwe School of infantry in Mbalabala yesterday, Chief of Staff, Quarter Master Staff, Major General Sibusiso Moyo, said knowledge of the country’s history is important in developing patriotic soldiers with an understanding of the country’s vision.

“The teaching of the country’s history and national heritage has assumed greater significance as the basis towards the development of loyal and patriotic members of the Army who have deep understanding of where we are coming from and where we are, so that you can correctly predict the future,” said Maj Gen Moyo.

“It is through such knowledge that the legacy of our forebearers, who fought a protracted armed liberation struggle, can be preserved and passed on to the young generation of loyal and patriotic members of the Zimbabwe National Army. In this regard, I urge you to remain resolute in defence of our hard won independence and not to be swayed by those with reckless utterances that seek to reverse the gains of our liberation struggle.”

A total of 322 soldiers graduated in eight courses with 22 being women.

Major Gen Moyo encouraged women to participate in army programmes like their male counterparts as the ZNA embraces gender equality. He urged them to work hard and be determined in order to be at par with male soldiers.

“It is also gratifying to note that amongst the graduands are 22 female students who I am told performed very well in all aspects of the respective courses. The inclusion of female soldiers in our courses is an indication that the ZNA embraces the policy of gender equality and encourages women of the force to undertake all training and other activities that their male counterparts go through. To our female soldiers, let me emphasise that it is only through hard work, determination and good training that you will be able to compete with your male counterparts on an equal footing,” said Major Gen Moyo.

He said the ZNA administration was aware of the challenges faced by the soldiers and was working tirelessly to improve their conditions.

“I am informed that your programmes were run amid a host of challenges most of which were purely logistical. Despite the challenges that you encountered, you remained resolute and managed to complete and pass the course thus meeting the set objectives. Let me assure you that army headquarters and indeed the relevant staff branches are fully aware of these short-comings and are working flat out to mitigate the effects of these challenges,” said Major Gen Moyo.

@PrinceNkosy102