Gweru (New Ziana) -Members of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) should register to vote for a party and candidate that values the national sovereignty of the country in this year’s harmonised elections.
ZNA Commander Lieutenant General David Sigauke said this during the graduation of 75 members who underwent the young officers’ course and 48 who underwent the basic officers’ course at the Zimbabwe Military Academy.
Lt Gen Sigauke said the Civil Military Relations course that they studied gave the soldiers a firm understanding of the country’s history, founding principles, national values, liberation ethos and cultivated a spirit of patriotism and loyalty.
“The country will hold the harmonised general elections and I expect you to go and register to vote.
“The orientation that you received through the Civil Military Relations lessons should be used as a weapon to defend our hard-won independence through the barrel of the pen,” he said.
Lt Gen Sigauke said registering to vote was the best way to protect Zimbabwe, its people, its national security, territorial integrity and interests.
He said while some people might accuse him of politicking, he was merely articulating the role that the army played in nation building.
The Basic Officers’ course commenced on July 25 this year with 48 students comprising 31 males and 17 females drawn from various medical professionals including doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists and other non-medical professionals such as teachers and accountants, and all managed to graduate.
The young officers’ course had an initial enrolment of 79 students comprising 11 females and 68 males drawn from combat and supporting arms.
A total of 75 graduated after one dropped on medical grounds and three were expelled for indiscipline after being found in possession of drugs.
Lt Gen Sigauke overemphasised the need for discipline within the rank and file of the ZNA.
He said the inclusion of women in the courses showed the organisation’s resolve to mainstream gender.
Tatenda Chikomo was best student in the Basic officers’ course, while Tinashe Makurumure was best in the young officers’ course.
New Ziana
