adminSenior Reporter
A total of 1,120 recruit soldiers on Thursday graduated at a pass-out parade at Imbizo Barracks on the outskirts of Bulawayo after completing a six-month military training programme.Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) commander Lieutenant-General Philip Valerio Sibanda was the reviewing officer at the colourful ceremony attended by hundreds of people, senior army personnel and government officials.
In his address, Lt-Gen Sibanda said the military remained resolute in defending the country’s territorial integrity and gains of the liberation struggle.
He said the army and the country at large continue to endure hardships as a result of the illegal sanctions and scoffed at the West and United States insincerity in handling the matter, especially after the July 31 elections.
Lt-Gen Sibanda said sanctions continue to hurt Zimbabwe despite pronouncements by those countries, prior to the July 31 elections, that they would take a cue from Sadc and the African Union position on elections.
He said it was hypocritical for the West and its allies to backtrack from their statements and question the credibility of the poll.
“To us this is no longer a question of free and fair elections but rather their need for a preferred group of people they want to run Zimbabwe and in the process protect the interests of those countries,” he said.
Lt-Gen Sibanda added: “This is most unacceptable and I want to remind all of you gathered here and Zimbabwe at large that we fought the liberation war because we wanted to be masters of our own destiny.”
Lt-Gen Sibanda said the new economic blueprint, Zim Asset, was a true Zimbabwean development model that seeks to make indigenous people masters of their own destiny.
He said misguided elements wanting to channel a different agenda from the government thrust should not be allowed to confuse the nation.
Lt-Gen Sibanda urged the recruits to uphold discipline and shun all forms of criminal behaviour. He warned that undisciplined soldiers would be punished accordingly.
“You are to desist from all forms of indiscipline and harassment of fellow citizens in our country. If you decide to be indisciplined, be sure of one thing . . . the long arm of our military justice system will catch up with you,” said the army commander.
“If we do not bring you to book today, we will do it tomorrow or the day after or even after months or years. Do not be influenced to be unruly or engage in criminal acts.”
Lt-Gen Sibanda said the recruit intake 32 Alpha/01/ of 2013 initially had 1,138 recruits but 18 dropped out for different reasons such as indiscipline, poor performance and ill health.
He said 150 of the 18 detachment graduating soldiers were females. The large gathering was kept alive by the captivating army drills and marching displays spiced with music from the army band.
The training involved foot and arms drills, map reading and navigation, first aid, civic and military education, physical training, weapon handling, individual and team tactical manoeuvres.
During training the recruits were taught to imbue values such as patriotism, loyalty, team spirit, discipline, courage and resourcefulness.
Online Reporter