Chronicle Editor
Ashley Phiri, [email protected]
SERVICE women are increasingly preparing themselves for leadership positions in the Defence Forces, taking steps to enhance their skills and education.
This is in keeping with the country’s gender policy, which prioritises fairness in all areas of life which has been praised by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces commanders.
Recently, 280 students from different uniformed units graduated at Imbizo Barracks’ Ordinances and Transport Training School.
During the event, Colonel Quartermaster Staff, Colonel Benjamin Sabata, the guest of honour, praised the graduating women for their commitment to improving their skills.
“The graduating courses are a fulfilment of the 2024 Commander Zimbabwe National Army training directive for the year 2024 both of which emphasised training as the Main Effort and identified it as a Key Result Area,” he said.
“I am also pleased to recognise the presence of a number of female students and it is in this regard that I urge the school to continue its stance of enrolling female serving members in line with the Zimbabwe Gender Commission policy, which stresses gender equity in all facets of life.
“I am also happy because the commandant was briefing me that there wasn’t any disciplinary action taken against any of the women during the duration of the courses meaning they carried themselves very well and they were dedicated to upgrading their skills, which will help in the advancement of their careers as well as preparing them for life after service.”
The graduates were drawn from the Zimbabwe National Army, Air Force of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Ministry of Defence.
The graduates completed 10 different logistics courses, which spanned various disciplines, including basic stores course, intermediate stores management course, basic cookery course, food and beverages services course, intermediate catering management course, the basic learner drivers course, the mechanical transport administration course, recovery operators course, driving examiners course and the senior procurement course.
Among the best graduates was Sergeant Sithabisile Sibanda who excelled in the driving examiner’s course and received a certificate of excellence along with other top performers.
Col Sabata praised the commandant and staff for their efforts in delivering a curriculum that not only fulfils military training requirements but also equips students with modern logistical skills relevant to today’s operational environment.
He also commended the private sector and the graduates’ families for their support.
Online Reporter