Staff Reporter
GWERU – The Zimbabwe Military Academy (ZMA) honored its outstanding students during the 39th commissioning parade of the institution.
Six students were recently handed their awards by the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Shepherd Hapawori was the overall best student and received sword of honour. Hapawori demonstrated exceptional ability in both theoretical and practical assessment. His discipline and turnout were beyond reproach.
The first runner up overall course was Talent Daniel Mushingadzwa who received the Commander Zimbabwe National Army award, while second runner-up Primrose Magumise received the Commandant ZMA award.
The Zimbabwe Military Academy in association with the Midlands State University runs a Diploma in Military Training and Education parallel to the cadet course.
The main objective of the diploma programme is to develop and equip junior officers with both academic and military-technical and practical competencies required for a 21st-century officer.
Best student or Vice Chancellor Midlands State University award in the diploma programme Emmanuel Stobart Pirimu received a book prize and certificate of excellence from the MSU Vice Chancellor.
Pirimu exhibited total commitment and outstanding performance towards academic work. He attended to all course work, assignments and passed all examinations at the academy.
The second-best student in the diploma programme Silivele Vuma received the Commandant ZMA’s award, while third best student Talent Daniel Mushingadzwa received the Director Cadet Division’s award.
President Mnangagwa said throughout the period of training, graduands demonstrated great resolve, determination and commitment to meet required training standards of the academy and the Zimbabwe National Army in general.
The Regular Officer Cadet Course number 3/39/22 commenced training on July 18, 2022 with an initial enrolment of 220 candidates comprising of 54 women and 166 men.
Thirty-eight of the total students dropped out from the course for various reasons, leaving 182 officer cadets who were commissioned last week.
Forty-four were women.
