Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE National Army (ZNA) Commander, Lieutenant-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi yesterday officiated at the pass out parade of 499 army recruits at Imbizo Barracks outside Bulawayo where he emphasised discipline and diligence in national duty.
The new recruits completed eight months of intense military training at Recruit Training Depot Imbizo Barracks and comprised 373 males and 126 females.
Various dignitaries and relatives witnessed the event.
In his keynote address, Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi charged the soldiers to maintain a higher level of discipline and military standards.
“The Zimbabwe National Army has a rich history of professionalism and excellence. I challenge you to continue with that fine rich legacy so that you also pass it to the next generation,” he said.
“You must abide by the oath you have taken before us. We don’t tolerate absenteeism without permission, stealing, armed robberies and drug abuse in the army.”
Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi also urged soldiers to lead exemplary lives as the army has a strict code of conduct.
“You came on your own, no one forced you, and you said I beg to apply. So, show that you volunteered to join the army. We have laws, we have expectations from you as much as you have expectations from us. We must walk together to do the job we were given by the nation,” he said.
The ZNA Commander said the army recruitment covers all parts of the country in line with President Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
He said the army was overwhelmed by the responses from applicants across the country and had to screen the numbers to remain with the requisite number.
“We started with 500 recruits in June 2025. Today 499 are graduating after one male failed. I congratulate you ladies for showing tenacity as all of you finished the course. We are pushing to reach 30 percent of the female recruits as demanded by our minister,” said Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi.
He reiterated that discipline remains at the heart of the army operations and urged the new recruits to maintain physical fitness to be able to defend the nation and its interests.
“The army has a hierarchy and this must be respected at every level. Disobedience, insubordination and mutiny is not allowed. You must follow commands, that is how the army runs. We thank the trainers who walked with you throughout this training.
“We also thank our traditional leaders for giving us the recruits. We must continue with the good working relationship,” he said.
Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi also hailed parents and the corporate world for supporting the army.
“This was a well-turned out parade, very well synchronised and being my first as commander I have also learnt a lot.
So, I appreciate you for training me as a commander. I thank you all for the salute you gave me,” he said.
Among the three top graduating recruits was Mudimba Bululani who was second runner-up and received a shield and US$1 000, first runner-up Ruvarashe Adelaide Chikomo who received a shield and US$1 500 while Gideon Kanyongo was the best recruit and walked away with a shield, US$2 000 and immediately promoted.
Chief Sigola from Siphezini, Chief Ndondo from Mbembesi and Chief Deli from Umguza attended the event. — @themkhust
