Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
SECURITY personnel have been warned against indiscipline and unprofessional conduct, with the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) reiterating that discipline remains non-negotiable across all security services.
The warning comes as the ZNA steps up efforts to equip personnel with specialised logistics, transport and ordnance management skills, with commanders insisting that technical competence must be matched by integrity, accountability and professionalism.
Speaking at the ZNA Ordnance and Transport Training School’s combined graduation ceremony at Khumalo Barracks in Bulawayo yesterday, ZNA director of procurement Colonel Albert Chibatamoto said indiscipline would not be tolerated, regardless of rank or position.
He revealed that one trainee had been returned to his unit on disciplinary grounds, while two others had been withdrawn on medical grounds.
“Discipline is the cornerstone of our organisation and any form of indiscipline is frowned upon. You were 288, two went back on medical grounds, while one, whom we are not proud of, went back due to indiscipline,” said Col Chibatamoto.
He said the graduates had acquired the knowledge and practical skills required to serve in various capacities within the security services and should demonstrate high standards of performance in their respective assignments.
The training programme brought together personnel from the ZNA and other security institutions, including three students from the Ministry of Defence, five from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and nine from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS).
Of the graduating trainees, 52 were female.
Col Chibatamoto challenged the graduates to provide sound, well-considered professional advice to their superiors while ensuring efficient management of logistics operations.
“My expectations and those of the command element from the graduates are the achievement of quality results and excellent service delivery to the Zimbabwe National Army, Zimbabwe Republic Police and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service,” he said.
Col Chibatamoto said the trainees had also been exposed to contemporary subjects such as civil-military relations, security awareness, crime awareness, campaign first aid, asymmetric warfare and cyber warfare.
The ZNA’s physical fitness policy had also been implemented in line with the expectations of the Army Headquarters Training Branch.
Col Chibatamoto said continuous reviews of training syllabuses were essential to ensure that military training remained relevant to evolving operational demands while producing knowledgeable and physically fit personnel.
He urged graduates from the basic courses to strictly follow procedures outlined in Ordinance and Transport manuals, Accounting Standing Orders and Movement Regulations.
Catering graduates were challenged to ensure that service personnel received well-cooked, palatable and balanced meals on time, while transport personnel were expected to manage vehicle fleets efficiently, embrace smart technology and comply with national vehicle operation regulations.
Vehicle recovery graduates were urged to ensure that organisational vehicles and equipment were repaired promptly to maintain operational efficiency.
Col Chibatamoto warned the graduates against criminal activities, including robbery, as well as drug and substance abuse, saying security personnel were expected to uphold the trust placed in them by their respective organisations.
He said integrity, transparency and professionalism were particularly important given the responsibility graduates would assume in managing critical logistics operations.
Col Chibatamoto also acknowledged challenges encountered during the training programme. He said the challenges would be brought to the attention of the command element for consideration and possible intervention before the next intake.
