_picture credit: ZBC News_ *President Mnangagwa urges ZMA graduates to defend sovereignity* https://chat.whatsapp.com/CQ3v0guBSmd0G4HaBxc69y 16 May 2025 _Story by Jeremiah Gora_ COMMANDER in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on the newly graduated cadets of the Zimbabwe Military Academy to guard jealously the independence and solidarity that the country and the region enjoys. He made the remarks during the graduation ceremony of 202 officer cadets at the Zimbabwe Military Academy in Gweru today. "I, therefore, call upon the younger officer corps, as well as service men and women across the defence forces of SADC, to continue guarding jealously this rich liberation heritage of cooperation and unwavering solidarity. You, the new crop in our militaries, have the weighty duty to be guarantors of regional peace and security "As the ZDF and sister defence forces here represented, I, thus, challenge you to jealously guard the peace and security of our region towards silencing the guns on the African continent. This is key to leaping forward our collective development aspirations, as well as the realisation of the Africa we all want," said the President. President Emmerson Mnangagwa applauded the graduands for their resilience in completing their training. "I thank you, the Commandant and staff of the Zimbabwe Military Academy, for producing ‘high-grade’ Regular Officer Cadet graduates. The young men and women who walked into this compound, back in 2023, as civilians, walk out today, as professional military officers who embody the military culture, values and ethos. They are adequately prepared for the road ahead. Well done. "Turning to our graduands and the future leaders of our armed forces, I, applaud you for the fortitude and determination you exhibited during training and your resolve to accomplish your dreams to be commissioned in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. Makorokoto. Amhlophe. "Your graduation confers on you, huge responsibilities associated with joining the ranks of officers, charged with the responsibility of commanding men and women,in circumstances of great peril," he said. The Commander-in-Chief went on to remind the graduands that graduation was just the first step and they must remain humble to achieve more. To be a successful career officer entails lifelong and continuous learning, training and education. Today’s achievement is just a first step, embrace the lessons that lie ahead and the responsibilities that come with your commission with teachable spirits. "As you receive your commission today and begin to navigate your military professions, be conscious of the reverence our nation accords to the ZDF. Lead with unquestionable loyalty, patriotism and integrity. Remain mindful that “Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa, inodzivirirwa nevene vayo. Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe, livikelwe, ngabanikazi balo. "Always serve with purpose and devotion to the enduring values that have made us a strong, united, peaceful and indomitable nation, even against the onslaught of illegal sanctions imposed on our motherland. "I once again urge the graduating officer cadet course to continue to uphold the proud tradition of Military Service with distinction and honour. Today, the torch is passed to you, as you join the ranks of the Officer Corps. In everything you do, may you live up to the proud traditions of those who came before you," said the President. He commended the strong relations between Zimbabwe and other Southern African countries, noting that the course had brought together officers from these nations. "The joint training of officer cadets, by the Zimbabwe Military Academy of officers from Sister Republics in the region is commendable. Such collaboration must be strengthened and scaled up as it aids in the interoperability among Defence Forces in our region, especially in the context of the SADC Mutual Defence Pact. "To this end, the presence of graduands from the Kingdom of Eswatini at this 40th Commissioning Parade of the Regular Officer Cadet Course is applauded. It reflects the role of institutions of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces as effective tools for our country’s military diplomatic endeavours. "By the same token, members of the South African National Defence Forces are part of Regular Officer Cadet Course 3/42/24 that is currently underway. This not only affirms the quality and depth of programmes offered by the ZDF, but resonates with the long-standing unity of the peoples of SADC, including in the defence and security sector. This dates back to the days when we fought against racist colonialism, oppression and apartheid, for the freedom and independence of our respective countries," he said. Speaking on education, He challenged the academy to continue improving its curriculum and integrate new technologies to stay ahead. "Given the emerging centrality of technology in modern warfare, I challenge the Academy to deliberately expose our officer cadets to new fields, including Artificial Intelligence and how these impact the defence and security sector. "Ongoing efforts by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to improve the Zimbabwe Military Academy as a centre of military excellence are commendable. Notable in this regard, is the introduction of a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Military Science and Leadership, which officer cadets now undertake concurrently, with the military phase of training. "It is my expectation that programmes such as this will ensure that cadets emerge from training as well-rounded professional officers. They must be equipped for an ever-evolving national and global arena which exerts intricate pressures on defence and security as well as the theatre of war. "Under the Second Republic, it is demanded that education and skills development extend beyond mere paper qualifications and positively impact the broader national developmental agenda. In this case, programmes offered by the ZDF should enhance and complement our national defence and security architecture and systems. "Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen; The Zimbabwe Defence Forces has the sacred duty to uphold the Constitution of Zimbabwe.To inculcate this imperative, anchored by the spirit and letter of Section 212 of the Constitution, the Civil Military Relations curriculum, has become a critical cog in the cadet course. "This is helping to nurture and deepen the understanding of national ethos, values and objectives, which are the pillars of our strong state," he said. He provided a detailed breakdown of the course, including its curriculum and structure, which the 202 officer cadets had successfully completed. "About twenty-one months ago, these young men and women before us, commenced an extremely demanding journey to become well trained, competent and professional officers within the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. From the initial enrolment of 250 candidates, drawn from the Zimbabwe National Army, Air Force of Zimbabwe and two from Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force, these 202 graduates, including 54 females and 148 males, made the grade. Two officer cadets from this course were seconded for Cadet Course Training in the Republic of Mozambique and are also graduating today. We say to you Congratulations, Makorokoto, Amhlophe. "It is praiseworthy that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces has taken bold strides to raise the number of female officer cadets enrolled at our strategic military institutions. By so doing, you are tapping the inherent potential of women to also contribute to our national defence, peace and security effort. Well done. "On a solemn note, we remember Officer Cadet Muzondo Joe Prosper, who passed on after the commencement of training. May His Soul Rest in Peace. "These young officers diligently undertook the course programme which was divided into three phases being, basic military training; conventional warfare; and low intensity operations. The subjects covered included Skill at Arms; Fieldcraft; Command and Leadership; Military Law; Law of Armed Conflict and Civil Military Relations, among other aspects," highlighted President Mnangagwa. The President concluded by thanking the families of the graduands and the Gweru community for their support.