Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces must continue to invest in continuous learning and adaptability if they are to effectively confront evolving security threats, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has said.
This was said on her behalf by her deputy, Brigadier-General (Rtd) Levy Mayihlome, at the graduation ceremony of 50 officers attending the Junior Staff Course Number 83 at the Zimbabwe Staff College in Harare yesterday.
She said professional military education must extend far beyond the lecture room. Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri added that as threats such as terrorism, cyberwarfare, climate change and nuclear proliferation redefine the global security landscape, military officers must embrace lifelong learning.
“The College has put a lot of effort into making sure that you are effective in your appointments with the skills and knowledge that you have gained,” he said.
“It is now crucial to accept this duty with humility, zeal, honesty and discernment. As you move forward, keep in mind that education is not just confined to the classroom.
“Keeping up with the various security threats that are present in the operating environment requires constant learning and self-improvement.”
This year’s cohort training had 50 officers, 44 from the Zimbabwe National Army and the Air Force of Zimbabwe and 6 Allied student officers from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zambia.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the successful completion of the course demonstrated the ZDF’s commitment to strengthening defence capacity while fostering regional cooperation.
“The participation of Allied students in this course is an intentional attempt to improve our forces’ interoperability and fortify regional defence and security cooperation,” she said.
The Minister said she was pleased that the Zimbabwe Staff College had already integrated modern and emerging threats into its curriculum.
“I am happy to see that all of these new security risks have been taken into account when designing the curriculum for Zimbabwe Staff College,” she said.
“The College has put a lot of effort into making sure that you are effective in your appointments with the skills and knowledge that you have gained.
“It is now crucial to accept this duty with humility, zeal, honesty and discernment.
“I encourage you, as you graduate from this college, to make every interaction worthwhile. You are held to high standards by your Bases, Units and Formations.”
Graduates must continue interrogating security developments on the continent to remain relevant in a rapidly changing operating environment.
“In order to stay up to date with changes in the constantly shifting working environment, you need to continuously investigate and challenge security-related issues that affect Africa,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
Overall best student, Captain Simbarashe Pezari, expressed gratitude to the officiating guest and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces leadership for prioritising officer development.
“I would like to express our profound and sincere gratitude to you, Minister. We feel greatly honoured as your presence shows the value that you attach to the training and development of the organisation,” he said.
Capt Pezari said the 21-week course, though characterised by sleepless nights and busy days, had strengthened the officers’ capacity to serve with professionalism. “As the course progressed, we managed to acquire the equipment, skills and knowledge of what it takes to be a competent and proficient staff officer,” he said. “I want to assure you that we shall use the knowledge gained in the service of our State and country.”
Capt Pezari also highlighted the importance of the interaction with Allied officers from seven regional countries.
“It was indeed an honour to share the experience with our Allied officers.
“The interaction gave us an insight into what is happening beyond our borders and a greater appreciation of their values, cultures and traditions,” he said.
See picture on P7
