President confers wings to AFZ personnel

Friday, 05 August 2011

Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Robert Mugabe has conferred
wings to 43 Air Force of Zimbabwe personnel at Thornhill Airbase in Gweru.

In his address at the graduation, President Mugabe said the uniformed forces have not been spared from the scourge of HIV. "This
pandemic remains a menace to the nation. I urge all graduates to always be aware of this scourge.....your families, and the nation need
you," said President Mugabe.

He underscored the importance of discipline saying it is the most important pillar for survival in the military and the cornerstone of all
successful armies."Individual officers are expected to maintain a high level of discipline which is the trade mark of the ZDF," added the
President. Cde Mugabe expressed gratitude to the entire defence forces command, particularly the Air Force of Zimbabwe and also
praised the Commander of Thornhill Airbase where the training was conducted.

Amongst the 43 graduands, seven are pilots and 26 are regimental officers while four are women - Silvia Mukapa, Portia Jokonya, Rudo
Chishuvi and Rumbidzai Vidza. The third group of graduands was given certificates for going through the basic jet flying training course
with the K8 aircraft and the last group underwent an advanced jet flying course.

The Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant General Philip Valerio Sibanda, Mozambican Army Commander, Major
General Chogo, Mozambican Airforce Commander, Major General Raoul Dique and defence attaches from some SADC countries
attended the graduation ceremony.
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