Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
The Regular Officer Cadet Course 3/40/23 to be commissioned by President Mnangagwa this morning at the Zimbabwe Military Academy (ZMA) in Gweru is set to showcase a significant increase in female participation.
A total of 54 women will graduate, which represents an increase from 44 last year.
This was revealed by Commandant ZMA Brigadier General Chrispen Nduku.
“In line with gender inclusion policies among the graduands passing out are 54 females who endured the rigorous training of this course, an increase from 44 from the last course,” he said.
Brig General Nduku said of note is that this Cadet Course passing out is the 40th to graduate at the Academy since 1980
He said the course commenced training on September 18, 2023 with an initial strength of 250 comprising of 73 females and 177 males.
“A total of 202, comprising 54 females and 148 males, made it to this day. Today’s pass out is unique in that the Academy is injecting 200 junior officers into the officers corps of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces, comprising of 157 officers for Zimbabwe National Army and 43 officers for the Air Force of Zimbabwe, ” he said.
Brig General Nduku said the Academy is also proud of contributing to collective security in the region as the pass-out parade has two officers from Eswatini Defence Force of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
“The presence of these Allied students is a testament of the richness and depth of the Academy’s training programmes. Joint training is also a key ingredient for the successful execution of joint and multinational operations,” he said.
