*modern-policing-and-national-vision-a-new-beginning* _On the Fast Lane to 2030: Awakening the African Mindset by Maxwell Haitengeswinyika Teedzai_ *President Mnangagwa ushers-in a new era: Vision 2030 and the transformation of the Zimbabwe Republic Police* | Thurs Feb 27, 2025 In the heart of the Great Republic of Zimbabwe, under the golden sun of a fresh chapter, a transformative Vision is unfolding. Today, at the Mkushi Police Academy, HE, Dr ED Mnangagwa, stood before a graduating class of 907 recruits, embodying the spirit of a Nation on the rise. This was not just a graduation ceremony; it was a powerful reflection of the Second Republic’s unwavering commitment to leaving no one and no place behind. President Mnangagwa, in his stirring address, declared, “The many young men and women who pass through these gates are called upon to serve our motherland with honour, dignity, and distinction. Patriotism and a deeply rooted sense of Nationalism should be fully embraced by police officers, who remain custodians of the peace, security, and stability of our country.” These words, heavy with purpose, set the tone for a new era of policing—one that is modern, inclusive, and deeply connected to the aspirations of the Nation. The ZRP — Zimbabwe Republic Police is no longer a relic of the past, where physical prowess alone defined its ranks. Today, it stands as a symbol of modernity, inclusivity, and intellectual rigor. The graduating class, drawn from all ten Provinces of the Nation, mirrors the devolution and decentralization ethos of the Second Republic. Among them, 624 men and 283 women stand tall, a bold statement of gender equality and the breaking of historical barriers. Gone are the days when policing was a mere physical endeavor. The challenges of today demand a new breed of officers—educated, tech-savvy, and deeply rooted in the values of Patriotism and Nationalism. The two-year Diploma programme undertaken by these recruits is a masterstroke in contemporary policing. Courses such as Criminal Law, Human Rights and Policing, Public Order Management, and Information Communication and Technology are not just academic exercises; they are the foundation of a smarter, more responsive Police Force. “The renaming of the Morris Depot to Mkushi Police Academy in July 2023 was not a mere change of signposts. It was a deliberate act to immortalize the bravery of our heroes and heroines, particularly the gallant daughters who perished at the ZIPRA Mkushi Girls’ Camp in 1978. Their sacrifice, their courage, and their selflessness are the bedrock upon which this new generation of officers stands,” reminisced President Mnangagwa. The President went on to say, “As the new Commissioner General of Police, Stephen Mutamba, takes the helm, he inherits a Force that is not just a custodian of peace but a driver of National development. His mandate is clear: to transform the ZRP into a modern, efficient, and effective institution capable of navigating the complexities of today’s socio-economic landscape”. The Second Republic is not just talking the talk; it is walking the walk. The recent acquisition of 500 state-of-the-art vehicles for Police operations is a tangible demonstration of this commitment. These vehicles, equipped with cutting-edge technology, are not just tools of the trade; they are symbols of a Nation moving forward. The scourge of drug and substance abuse threatens to unravel the very fabric of our society. Road carnage, with a staggering 93 percent increase in fatalities from 2023 to 2024, is a National tragedy. Armed robberies and environmental crimes further complicate the security landscape. Yet, in the face of these challenges, the ZRP stands resolute, bolstered by partnerships with institutions like the University of Zimbabwe and Bindura University of Science Education, and strengthened by Regional and international collaborations. “To the graduating class: you’re not just officers; you’re the vanguard of a Nation’s dreams—a declaration of your readiness to serve with honor, dignity, and distinction and as you step into your roles, remember that the image of the Great Republic of Zimbabwe rests on your shoulders. Guard it jealously,” stated the President. In the words of His Excellency, “Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulelwe ngabanikazi balo.” “The Nation is built, governed, and nurtured by its own people. You are those people. You are the builders, the guardians, the custodians of a brighter tomorrow”. As we march towards Vision 2030, let us do so with humility, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to excellence. Brick by brick, stone upon stone, we will build a Nation that future generations will be proud to call home. #vision2030 #nationalsecurity #modernpolicing #genderequality #inclusivedevelopment