Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Zimpapers Writer
THE Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) continues to uphold its gender-neutral recruitment policy, with a steady increase in female recruits graduating at all pass-out parades, ZNA Commander Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Matatu has said.
Lt-Gen Matatu was the reviewing officer at the pass-out parade for recruit intake 38B/01/24, which saw 495 general duty soldiers graduate at Imbizo Barracks on the outskirts of Bulawayo yesterday.
He lauded the recruits for representing all provinces of the country, helping the army maintain its true national character. The graduation featured four companies — Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta — each comprising 125 recruits.
Intake 38B/01/24 is the second of three streams that began training on December 16 last year, with 500 recruits (374 males and 126 females). Five recruits — one male and four females — did not complete the course.
“That we have 122 female graduates on parade today is clear testimony of our gender mainstreaming efforts. These young ladies will join the many who came before them and shatter the myth that the military career is for men only,” said Lt-Gen Matatu.
He emphasised that discipline is non-negotiable and that professionalism is a top priority. He reminded the recruits that defending the nation requires both men and women to be well-trained, proficient in their skills and ready to make sacrifices, including the supreme sacrifice.
“I, as commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, demand the highest standards of professionalism and discipline from all members of the army. The military career is not like a job at a factory where you clock in at 8am and you’re out at 5pm,” said Lt-Gen Matatu.
“Defence of a country requires us to be prepared at all times and I call upon you, the graduands, to take heed.”
The commander also urged the graduates to uphold the oath of allegiance they had taken, abide by the law, and avoid drugs and illegal substances.
“Do not be found wanting when it comes to your discipline. You are not allowed to take drugs and other related illegal substances. The defence of a nation cannot be assured by men and women who take drugs. We have no room for such people in the army,” said Lt-Gen Matatu.
Recruit training at ZNA lasts 36 weeks, covering weapons handling, field craft, voice procedure, minor tactics in conventional and low-intensity operations and civil-military relations, producing a patriotic cadre ready for service.
Lt-Gen Matatu highlighted the army’s rich history of professionalism, noting its roots in liberation struggle factions and its participation in combat operations in Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo and several peace-support missions.
“You are joining a force with a rich history of professionalism, born out of the warring factions of the liberation struggle and proving itself in combat in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and participating in several peace-support operations,” he said.
Lt-Gen Matatu said the army has delivered to the people of Zimbabwe peace and security that is vital to economic development.
Speaking before the keynote address, Commandant of the Recruit Training Depot, Lt-Col Liberty Rubaro, expressed gratitude to Army Headquarters and the Bulawayo district for their unwavering support and praised the depot staff for producing high-grade general duty soldiers equipped to meet 21st-century challenges.
