Story by Peter Chivhima
THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) is strengthening regional military ties through exchange programmes to enhance the skills of its personnel and keep them up to date with the evolving demands of their work.
As Zimbabwe continues to modernise its defence systems, collaboration with other defence forces from the region and beyond has been identified as a vital cog in the fight against contemporary security challenges.
This was said by the Minister of Defence, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, during the graduation ceremony of the 17th Defence and Security Studies course held at the Zimbabwe Staff College in Harare this Friday.
“As the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, we will continue to work and train together with other Defence Forces from the region and beyond so that we can learn from each other. We are proud that Zimbabwe remains a preferred destination for Defence Forces from the region, and we will continue collaborating and sending our personnel to other countries,” she said.
Zimbabwe National Defence University Vice Chancellor and Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Michael Tedzani Moyo, said the ZDNU will remain alert to 21st-century security challenges.
“As the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, we remain alive to the ever-evolving security challenges of the 21st century. Our training programmes are tailored to respond to both traditional and emerging threats. We continue to invest in skills development to enhance operational effectiveness. With global conflicts and rapid technological advancements, we must stay alert and adaptive. Through regional cooperation and strategic partnerships, we are building a resilient force committed to safeguarding national and regional peace, sovereignty, and stability.”
The students, who graduated with diplomas in Defence and Security Studies, pledged to uphold the values of patriotism and hard work.
“We are proud to have taken part in this training. It has broadened our understanding and improved our readiness to serve not just Zimbabwe, but the region as a whole,” Nigerian Armed Forces’ Major Yohanna Atang Haruna said.
“We are happy to be graduating today and express our sincere appreciation to our parent ministry, the Ministry of Defence, for the support and opportunity given to us. Let us continue to safeguard our nation. The knowledge is critical at a time when the globe is witnessing contemporary security challenges. This exchange programme gave us exposure to modern techniques and allowed us to learn from our regional counterparts. It is a great milestone in our careers,” Squadron Leader Sharon Mutevera said.
“The collaboration helped us build strong professional networks and improved our ability to work in joint operations across borders,” Squadron Leader Japhet Bongani Ndlovu added.
Service chiefs, senior officers from other security forces, representatives from allied nations and university lecturers were among the delegates who attended the graduation ceremony.
