Soldiers urged to uphold discipline

Michael Magoronga Midlands Correspondent
Members of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) have been implored to shun corruption and remain vigilant in the face of the challenging environment.

Delivering a keynote address during a pass out parade of section commanders after completion of tactics course, at 5,2Infantry Battalion Brigade recently, Commander 5 Brigade, Brigadier General Simo Maseko said soldiers should thrive to maintain high standards of discipline amidst all conditions.

“I am pleased that despite these hardships you soldiered on and today you are finally graduating. Let me point out that in the face of compromised conditions of service, the first casualty is usually discipline,” he said.

“The temptation to cut corners in a bid to make ends meet becomes high, but I urge you to resist such temptations and shun corruption and uncouth means of self-enrichment, and all other vices that bring the organisation into disrepute,” said Brig General Maseko.

He said government was aware and was also working hard to address the plight of the soldiers.

“The ZNA will continue to work towards improving your conditions of service. The ZNA also seeks to improve the skills of the members to ensure their effectiveness and efficiency in the discharge of duties,” he said.

He said ill-disciplined soldiers were in the wrong profession adding that it was worrying to note that some soldiers could not complete the course as they were dropped due to indiscipline.

“Discipline is the cornerstone of any military organisation. Those indisciplined are in the wrong profession, they need to be relieved of their duties,” he said.

The course began in February this year with a capacity of 93 students comprising of 17 female and 76 male students.

One female dropped due to medical grounds while four male dropped due to indiscipline.

Lance Corporal Precious Kamba of 52 Infantry Battalion won the best student award, while Corporal Dennis Kakurira of 5,3 Infantry Battalion and Corporal Prosper Tambara of Army Headquarters won the second and third prizes respectively.