adminAuxilia Katongomara, Chronicle Reporter
SOLDIERS have been urged not to be influenced by activities in the political arena as they have a duty to maintain peace in the country.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony of 155 students at Imbizo Barracks yesterday, Director Ordinance, Colonel Shackman Terrence Chizengwe said soldiers have a duty to safeguard the gains of independence so that fallen heroes do not turn in their graves.
Col Chizengwe said the army’s core duty was to maintain peace and stability in the country.
“A lot of activities are happening on the political front and you have to remain focused on your tasks in order to carry out your duties professionally,” said Col Chizengwe.
“You have an obligation to safeguard the country’s gains of the revolutionary struggle and our territorial integrity against any forms of aggression for the successful implementation of the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (ZimAsset).”
He said soldiers must lead by example.
“My message to you is that you are soldiers first and foremost. I want you to remember that you are the proponents of peace and stability in the country. Peace must begin with you and it is your responsibility to ensure the rest follow your example,” said Col Chizengwe.
“We have the Constitution which you must defend and the land which you must jealously guard. Any deviation from this will cause the fallen heroes and heroines who died for our independence to turn in their graves”.
The 155 graduating students comprised of 13 women from the Zimbabwe Women Services, one from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services and one civilian member from the Ministry of Defence.
@AuxiliaK
Online Reporter