President Mnangagwa, Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, is at Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base in Gweru, where he is presiding over the Number 70 Pilot Training Course Wings Presentation and Commissioning Parade.
Ten trainee pilots, comprising nine men and one woman, are graduating after completing five years of intensive training with the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ).
The ceremony marks the addition of newly trained pilots to the country’s military aviation personnel.
Follow our live coverage for updates, pictures and highlights from the ceremony with Zimpapers Senior Reporter Patrick Chitumba and Believe Nyakudyara
12:47PM – PRESIDENT ARRIVES AT THE AIRBASE
President Mnangagwa has arrived at Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base in Gweru ahead of the Number 70 Pilot Training Course Wings Presentation and Commissioning Parade.
The President is expected to inspect the Quarter Guard before presiding over the graduation ceremony.
10 PILOTS GRADUATE AFTER FIVE YEARS OF TRAINING
Ten trainee pilots, comprising nine men and one woman, are set to receive their wings from President Mnangagwa after successfully completing the five-year training programme.
AFZ GRADUATES URGED TO UPHOLD DISCIPLINE AND EXCELLENCE
Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base Deputy Commander, Group Captain Tinofara George Shumba, has challenged graduates of the Number 70 Pilot Training Course and Regular Officer Cadet programme to uphold integrity, discipline and professional excellence.
He said the graduates had demonstrated resilience, courage and determination in overcoming the demands of their training.
“To the graduands of Number 70 Pilot Training Course and Regular Officer Cadet, in you I see men and women of integrity, service and excellence. You have made us proud,” he said.
