ZNA graduate 161 at OTTS

Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
A TOTAL of 161 students at the Ordinance and Transport Training School (OTTS) of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), graduated at Imbizo barracks in Bulawayo yesterday.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Zimbabwe National Army senior officer, Colonel Christopher Mayoyo, said of the 161 students, three were drawn from Zimbabwe Republic Police.

It was a combined graduation ceremony of seven logistics courses ranging from catering, equipment management and transport administration.

“A healthy, well fed and well trained soldier wins wars and there is no doubt that the most important and effective weapon in any army is the soldier. I want to urge the caterers to perform their duties and make sure that the front line soldier receives well balanced meals timely,” said Col Mayoyo.

He said the stores courses were aimed at teaching basic stores concepts and accounting procedures, as well as supervisory skills to intermediate stores managers.

“These will be responsible for the introduction of equipment into service, accounting, management, usage and its subsequent disposal.

“I have no doubt that the grandaunds will be good stores persons and stores supervisors at their respective formations and units as they are now well equipped with the requisite knowledge in accounting procedures,” Col Mayoyo said.

He said students in the various courses were attached within the army as well as with civilian organisations with a view to appreciate how those established companies carry out their operations.

“The visits are necessary as they assist the ZNA to align its logistics practices with the current trends”.

Col Mayoyo reminded those who received their driver’s licenses that the licences do not necessarily make them good drivers.

“There is a lot of work ahead of you as you need to get experience in order to perfect your skills. Extra care and caution is required whenever you are carrying out your day to day duties as a simple mistake can be fatal.

“The basic learner’s driver’s course was aimed at producing military drivers capable of carrying out their duties effectively during peace and war time,” he said.

Col Mayoyo urged graduands to be ready for any task as they may be called upon to give military aid to civil ministries.

“Road carnage is claiming a lot of human life especially with the influx of vehicles into the country. To you students, you must be prepared to carry out any task as specified in the roles of the ZNA,” said Col Mayoyo.

He said those who did the motor cycle rider’s course with members of the Zimbabwe Military Police are earmarked to ride escort bikes which is a very sensitive task that requires skill and sober minds.

Col Mayoyo reminded the graduands that they have an obligation to safeguard the country’s gains of the revolution and its integrity against any forms of aggression for the successful implementation of ZimAsset.

“I want you to remember that you are the proponents of peace and stability in the country. Peace must begin with you and the rest will follow your example,” he said.