adminWhinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
A TOTAL of 213 students at the Ordinance and Transport Training School (OTTS) of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) graduated at Imbizo barracks in Bulawayo last week.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Friday, Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA)’s Director of Training Brigadier General Ephious Mahachi said the graduands were from the ZDF and four from the Namibian Defence Forces (NDF).
It was a combined graduation ceremony of seven logistics courses ranging from catering, equipment management and transport administration.
Brig Gen Mahachi said the army attaches great importance to the training of its men and women in equipment management.
He said the graduands were custodians of ZNA equipment.
“The procurement of equipment is very challenging under the prevailing economic dispensation, hence the need for proper equipment management procedures to be implemented,” said Brig Gen Mahachi.
He said students in the various courses were attached within the army as well as with civilian organisations with a view to make them appreciate how established companies carry out their operations.
“The internships are necessary as they assist the ZNA to align its logistics practices with the current trends,” said Brig Gen Mahachi.
The director of training reminded graduands who received their driver’s licenses that the documents do not necessarily make them good drivers.
“There is a lot of work ahead of you as you need to get experience in order to perfect your skills. Extra care and caution is required whenever you are carrying out your day to day duties as a simple mistake can be fatal.
“The basic learner’s driver’s course was aimed at producing military drivers capable of carrying out their duties effectively during peace and war time,” he said.
Brig Gen Mahachi urged graduands to be ready for any task as they may be called upon to give military aid to civil ministries.
“Road carnage is claiming a lot of human life especially with the influx of vehicles into the country. To you students, you must be prepared to carry out any task as specified in the roles of the ZNA,” he said.
He warned those who graduated to exercise their duties with caution to avoid being involved in accidents.
“I want you to remember that you are the proponents of peace and stability in the country. Peace must begin with you and the rest will follow your example,” he said.
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