Online Reporter
Midlands Bureau
Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Engineers Corps Commander Colonel Simbarashe Zhou has challenged newly qualified Section Commanders to uphold loyalty and discipline as they serve the country.
Colonel Zhou made the remarks while officiating at the graduation ceremony for the Section Commanders’ Tactics Course Infantry 15(5)19/26 held recently at 53 Infantry Battalion Headquarters in Kwekwe.
A total of 126 graduates completed the 20-week training programme, which was physically and mentally demanding and designed to prepare them for leadership roles within the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA).
Addressing the graduates, Colonel Zhou urged them to remain disciplined and loyal, adding that they should use the knowledge gained during the course to guide them in discharging their duties.
“I feel honoured to officiate on this occasion. You must be proud that you endured the 20 weeks that some could not,” he said.
Colonel Zhou said the course, which commenced on February 10, initially enrolled 131 soldiers drawn from various ZNA units and formations.
“Four trainees were withdrawn on disciplinary grounds while one left for medical reasons, leaving 126 graduates,” he said.
He said the training covered Voice Procedure, Employment of Platoon Weapons, First Aid, Military Law, Civil-Military Relations, Conventional Warfare, Low-Intensity Operations and physical fitness.
“The programme was designed to prepare junior leaders to operate effectively in modern military environments.
“Your exposure here has moulded you into 21st-century junior leaders with the physical endurance and professional skills required to operate in the modern battlespace,” he said.
Colonel Zhou urged the graduates to continue developing their leadership skills upon returning to their respective units and formations.
“It is your responsibility to command and lead. Continue sharpening those skills when you return to your units and formations,” he said.
He also commended the participation of women in the course, noting that 23 of the graduates were female.
Colonel Zhou said their successful completion of the programme reflected the Zimbabwe National Army’s efforts to promote gender balance in personnel development and encouraged more women to enrol in promotion courses.
