Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Zimpapers Reporter
THE Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) has intensified its fight against drug and substance abuse by introducing strict medical examinations that screen all potential recruits for drug use, with those who fail automatically disqualified, a development crucial in safeguarding national security and operational integrity.
This comes as Zimbabwe continues to battle a surge in drug and substance abuse, particularly among youths, prompting Government, law-enforcement agencies and the education sector to adopt stricter prevention and detection mechanisms. Security services have in recent years raised concern that the national scourge is beginning to infiltrate disciplined forces, threatening operational readiness, alertness and discipline.
Against this backdrop, the AFZ used its latest graduation ceremony to reinforce that no applicant who fails a drug test will be allowed into the force, as the institution moves to protect the integrity of its ranks.
Drug and substance abuse has become one of the country’s most pressing social challenges, spilling over into key institutions.
Speaking during the graduation of more than 50 AFZ students in Gweru last Friday, the Commander AFZ, Air Marshal John Jacob Nzvede, stressed that medical screenings for new recruits now specifically test for drug and substance use, and any applicant who fails the tests “stands no chance” of serving in the organisation.
He said modernising the force requires not only new equipment but also clean, disciplined and mentally fit personnel, hence the stepped-up medical screening regime.
“The AFZ is a security organisation and cannot afford to have officers who abuse alcohol, drugs and substances as well as irresponsible gambling. There are many distractions with the potential to compromise discipline, resulting in some officers and members failing to meet the expectations of the organisation,” said Air Marshal Nzvede.
“This is a threat to national security, hence we have taken stern measures to contain the threat.
Air Marshal Nzvede said drug and substance abuse is a national concern. He said there is a need for all stakeholders to work collectively to eradicate this scourge, urging the graduates and serving members to stay away from drugs and illicit substances.
Zimbabwe’s fight against drug abuse has intensified as evidenced by the appointment of an Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on Drug and Substance Abuse, which has rolled out awareness campaigns, treatment facilities and nationwide raids targeting suppliers.
The graduates — 19 females and 33 males — completed intensive training in air power, weapons handling, conventional warfare and other specialised disciplines. They showcased precision and discipline through parade drills during the colourful graduation ceremony.
Air Marshal Nzvede noted that the reviewed training syllabus now equips officers with skills to respond to contemporary threats, including those that stem from compromised mental and physical fitness caused by substance abuse.
“I am pleased to learn that your training syllabus has been reviewed to empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to contemporary threats. Some of the courses covered included air power, estimate process to plan for military campaigns, weapons training, conventional warfare and low intensity operations,” he said.
“The injection of officers with specialist skills into the organisation is in line with the vision of His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Mnangagwa, to modernise the organisation.”
Air Marshal Nzvede also highlighted the country’s stable security environment, improved economic growth projections, and the AFZ’s central role in supporting national development goals.
He said the country is enjoying peace and tranquility, adding that this has created a conducive environment for the implementation of the Nation Development Strategy 1. The AFZ chief further noted that as a result, the World Bank has stated that Zimbabwe’s economy has registered a six percent growth in 2025 from 1,74 percent in 2024.
“The implementation of National Development Strategy 2 will commence next year and it is anticipated that this economic growth will be sustained. This will result in the realisation of Vision 2030 of becoming an upper middle-income society,” said Air Marshall Nzvede.
He said for the graduates, the training marks the first step in preparing them to join other seasoned officers serving to defend Zimbabwe, its people and its interests as enshrined in the Constitution.
“I have shared this with you graduates so that you appreciate the role of the AFZ and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces at large in the attainment of development goals for our great nation. This training that you have received is the first step to prepare you to join other seasoned officers and members already serving in defending Zimbabwe,” he said.
Best Student, medical doctor John Nyamurindira, said the training strengthened his resolve to serve with professionalism.
“I am very happy to be graduating today. The journey was tough but rewarding and I now look forward to serving by ensuring that the medical needs of pilots and fellow officers are well catered for,” he said.
