What makes a ZNA soldier tick?

past relatives, friends and dignitaries who assembled to witness them being officially attested into professional combatants.
As they move past, they are jubilant for they know within hours they will be reunited with their relatives and friends whom they parted with several months ago.
From one corner there is continuous whistling, ululation and clapping of hands as some among the guests have recognised their sons, daughters, sisters or brothers marching past in slow and quick strides.
This typifies November 4, 2011, during a passout parade for 908 recruit ZNA soldiers who had successfully completed a six-month basic military training course at 23 Combat Group Satellite Training Centre in Magunje.
The passout parade, which was graced by Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant-General Philip Valerio Sibanda proved not only to be an organised event, but one that was very well attended.
It became a that many of those in attendance will take a long time to forget, a cut above the best.
This was the fourth graduation ceremony since the training centre opened its doors in 2007.
It was all jovial as traditional chiefs, legislators, councillors and distinguished farmers and businesspeople met and exchanged greetings.
It was indeed a hectic day as guests were also treated to a host of hair-raising displays, which were later followed by presentation of the Intake 29F/01/11 course flag to the Army Commander.
The singing of the national anthem and the opening prayer triggered the taking of the oath of allegiance and the singing of the eight points of attention by the recruits.
The eight points of attention, in the form of a popular song about ways in which soldiers should operate, centres around the need for soldiers to behave well in the communities they serve and the recommended treatment they should also give to prisoners of war among other things.
But alas! It was a melancholic moment when a minute of silence in honour of the late Retired General Solomon Mujuru who passed away on August 15 in an inferno at his Beatrice farm was observed.
However, there were tears of joy among relatives and friends of the three best recruits when they were called to receive their certificates and the commander’s shields for their outstanding performances.
Addressing the graduates, Lt-Gen Sibanda said because the soldiers were passing out at a time when the country was facing serious challenges due to the illegal economic sanctions imposed on the country by Britain and its allies, he urged the soldiers to resolutely defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity rather than mourn over this passing phase of economic hardships.
“The ZNA, as an organisation has not been spared either, as our day-to-day operations have been adversely affected. As soldiers we should not mourn over this passing phase in the history of our country. Our resolute commitment in safeguarding our sovereignty and territorial integrity should continue to serve as a beacon of hope for our people, who together with us, share the same pains from these hardships, he said.
Lt-Gen Sibanda told the soldiers that a few years of suffering could not be equated to a lifetime of bondage, saying efforts to recolonise the country through the backdoor were afoot.
The oath of allegiance taken by the soldiers, he said, bound them to only serve the interests of one master – their country.
“If you decide to contravene the oath, you will be dealt with accordingly,” he warned.
He used the occasion to warn serving members of the dangers of extra-marital relationships warning them that they were prematurely destroying young people’s careers.
“You must maintain utmost discipline as you take up your different missions. You should shun promiscuity since diseases can ruin your career and lives. A soldier is good and useful to the nation or their family only when they are alive and healthy,” he advised.
The Army Commander hailed 2 Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier Francis Mutisi and 23 Combat Group Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Raban Nikisi for a job well done during the training period before thanking the local chiefs, their communities and several other organisations for providing facilities used during the training programmes.
Brig-Gen Mutisi is also the Commandant of 23 Combat Group Satellite Training Centre while Lt-Col Nikisi is also the chief instructor for the same training centre.
Initially, intake 29F/01/11 had 924 recruits before 15 dropped out for different reasons while recruit Johanisi Anyway died of malaria.
Being gender sensitive, the training programme included 707 male and 217 female recruits.
The course curriculum included physical training, foot and arms drill, map reading and navigation, first aid, civic military education, individual and technical manoeuvres and weapon training, among others.
Personal qualities attained during the same course include patriotism, team spirit, discipline, courage, resourcefulness and adaptability.
The event was indeed an eye-opener to those who sought knowledge on how ZNA is working to counter challenges bedevilling their institution.
Recruit Lloyd Maravanyika scored was the overall best student while recruits Hebert Nyoni and Wadzanayi Mabika came second and third respectively.
Among those who attended the graduation ceremony were Hurungwe East legislator Sarah Mahoka, Hurungwe District Administrator Ms Tsana Chirau and Hurungwe Rural District Council chief executive Mr Joram Misheck Moyo.
Officer Commanding Hurungwe District Chief Superintendent Justin Mandizha and Zanu-PF Hurungwe DCC chairman Themba Mliswa also graced the parade.
To show the significance of national security to their chiefdoms, chiefs Dandawa, Dendera, Nematombo and Chundu attended the parade that they described as an eye-opener.
Chief Dandawa said this was an opportunity of a lifetime for the youths to meet people behind the successful defence our country like Lt-Gen Sibanda.
“This would help shape our children’s careers and as well as help them learn to love their country.