| 108 Zimbabwe Defence Forces students graduate Monday, July 23, 2007 Herald Reporter A TOTAL of 108 students from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces graduated as gunners and command officers at Air Force of Zimbabwe’s Flyde Air Force Base in Chegutu on Friday. Speaking at the passout parade, AFZ Chief of Staff (Operations), Air Vice- Marshal Elson Moyo, said only a well-trained and well-equipped force could guarantee the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a nation. "It is no secret that the economic, social, and political development of every nation can only be achieved within a peaceful environment, which only a well-trained, knowledgeable and professional defence force can create and jealously guard, Air Vice- Marshal Moyo said. "This joint graduation is evidence of the great importance attached by the AFZ and the entire ZDF to develop their manpower through various courses," he said. He urged them to exercise discipline and uphold the standards of the AFZ and the Zimbabwe National Army, as the defence forces did not condone indiscipline. The graduands, comprising 69 trainees from the AFZ and 49 from the ZNA, completed the five-month course in Anti-Aircraft Artillery Basic Operators and Anti-Aircraft Artillery Command. Air Vice-Marshal Moyo added that learning was a lifelong process that helped to mould national aspirations and that the graduates should direct their skills towards the total liberation, social and economic development of Zimbabweans. He applauded the graduates for remaining resolute throughout their training conducted against a difficult background. "I am aware that you experienced shortages of kit and erratic supplies of fuel, among others. I must assure you that the AFZ has your welfare at heart and that the Government and the ZDF will continuously review your conditions of service," he said. AFZ Director of Training, Group Captain Cleopas Manyange, echoed Air Vice-Marshal Moyo’s sentiments on the unfavourable training conditions. "We endured the harsh conditions and I must say they are necessary in the development of our personnel for total defence of our air space," he said. Nine recruits received awards of excellence in different disciplines. David Gomo was named Best Student as AFZ Gunner, while Amos Ndlovu was the Best Student from the ZNA and Calvin Muduma received the Command Officer Best Student Award. |
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