adminWhinsley Masara and Brighton Gumbo Chronicle Reporters
THE sanctions-induced challenges facing the Zimbabwe Defence Forces are a passing phase that is being addressed and the security sector should remain dedicated and disciplined.This was said by Commander Engineers Colonel Mkhululi Bhika Ncube during a graduation ceremony of 138 students on Thursday at 1 Infantry Brigade in Bulawayo.
The School of Military Police (SMP) held a graduation parade which marked the end of a series of courses at various levels comprising officers and non-commissioned members.
Col Ncube said those who graduated underwent intensive training which had fully developed them into competent professionals in their various areas of duty.
Col Ncube said he was aware of the challenges they had faced during their training exercise and they were being addressed.
“Let me hasten to say that despite the prevailing resource constraints the organisation is experiencing, it is a passing phase; you must remain resolute and dedicated in the maintenance of discipline. I need not remind you, how these economic challenges came about, it’s the work of Western allies that impose sanctions on our country,” he said.
The graduands were drawn from the Zimbabwe National Army, the Air Force of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services.
Two students were from the Namibia Military Police.
Meanwhile, the ZNA’s Major General Trust Mugoba on Thursday officiated at a ceremony to hand over a two-classroom block at Esiphikeni Secondary school in Bubi that was built with the army’s help.
Major General Mugoba said in November 2014, the school approached the ZNA through 1 Infantry Brigade, seeking assistance .
“The Zimbabwe National Army then mobilised army engineer artisans from 1 Engineer Field Squadron of One Infantry Brigade to construct the classroom block. 1 Infantry Brigade is responsible to the communities in Matabeleland region,” he said.
Officer Commanding 1 Engineers Squadron, Major Trust Chinhongo said: “At Usher we’re still constructing teachers cottage gutted by fire in 2013. In Binga we’re working on constructing two clinics, Malaria clinic and Manganda clinic.”
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