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The MDC-T and its western handlers for having calling for security sector reforms pursuant to their illegal regime change agenda.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Junior Staff Course Number 59, Minister Mnangagwa said the defence of the country’s sovereignty was not negotiable and will never be auctioned or exchanged for anything.
“I would like to take this opportunity to applaud you for remaining vigilant and patriotic as some elements are bent on reversing the gains of our hard won independence and are always looking for the slightest opportunity to exploit,” said Minister Mnangagwa.
“My ministry is aware of the challenges being faced by Zimbabwe Defence Forces especially in the area of conditions of service, In this regard, lack of adequate transport, suitable accommodation and improved salaries are areas of concern.”
Minister Mnangagwa said the issues were being looked into and once a solution was found commanders would appraise their troops accordingly.
He said his ministry makes huge investments in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ professional training and career development activities over the years and this has accounted for the refinement of the ZDF which has become an envy of many.,
“His Excellency, the President, Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the ZDF, Cde Mugabe, made eradication of illiteracy and access to education one of his major priorities upon the country’s attainment of independence.
“In this regard, ZDF also embraced this clarion call and since 1980 has successfully carried out several local and regional training programmes. As a result, human resource training in the Defence Forces has since assumed greater significance initiatives that the legacies of our fore-bearers, who fought a protracted armed liberation struggle, can be preserved and passed on as an incorruptible seed of nationhood from older generation of patriots to the younger crop of officers,” he said.
Minister Mnangagwa said the ZDF share Sadc’s common view on the importance of joint military training as evidenced by the regular enrolment of students from the region on its courses.
The Minister commended officers from the People’s Liberations Army of the People’s Republic of China for adding value to the course through giving lectures and equipment and said he hoped the ties between the ZDF and Chinese army will continue to strengthen the bond that has existed since the country’s liberation struggle.
The course commenced on January 14 this year with an initial enrolment of 57 officers drawn from various establishments in the Zimbabwe National Army and the Zimbabwe Prison Services as well as 12 officers from Sadc countries, Nambia, Mozambique, Lesotho, Malawi, Botswana and Tanzania.
The officers attained a 100 percent pass rate.
Online Reporter