By Dickson Bandera
Zimbabwe President, His Excellency Cde Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on Zimbabwe’s newly commissioned military cadet officers to embrace technological innovation, national patriotism, and regional solidarity, as part of building a modern and professional defence force under the Second Republic.
Speaking at the commissioning parade of Regular Officer Cadet Course 3/40/23 at the Zimbabwe Military Academy in Gweru this Friday, President Mnangagwa said the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) must stay abreast of developments in modern warfare, including emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“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,” said President Mnangagwa.
A total of 202 officer cadets graduated — including 54 females and two from the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force — after a gruelling 21-month training programme that began in 2023. “This graduation ceremony is yet another demonstration by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to continually inject new officer corps into our Forces, well equipped to play their part in safe-guarding our hard-won Independence, freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” President Mnangagwa said.
The Head of State and Government also applauded efforts to increase female participation in the military, a development he said reflects the inclusive spirit of the Second Republic. “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,” he said. “By so doing, you are tapping the inherent potential of women to also contribute to our national defence, peace and security effort.”
President Mnangagwa highlighted the regional diplomatic value of the ZDF’s military training programmes, particularly in supporting integration among SADC nations. “The joint training of officer cadets by the Zimbabwe Military Academy of officers from Sister Republics in the region is commendable,” he said. “Such collaboration must be strengthened and scaled up… especially in the context of the SADC Mutual Defence Pact.”
President Mnangagwa urged the young officers to embrace their responsibility as defenders of regional stability. “You, the new crop in our militaries, have the weighty duty to be guarantors of regional peace and security,” he said. “Never take this lightly and remain guided by our long-standing regional mantra, ‘an injury to one, is an injury to all.’”
He further commended the academy’s introduction of a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Military Science and Leadership, offered concurrently with combat training. “It is my expectation that programmes such as this will ensure that cadets emerge from training as well-rounded professional officers,” said President Mnangagwa.
The President also emphasized the importance of constitutional loyalty and national values, stressing the role of the Civil Military Relations curriculum in developing principled leaders. “The Zimbabwe Defence Forces has the sacred duty to uphold the Constitution of Zimbabwe,” said President Mnangagwa. “This is helping to nurture and deepen the understanding of national ethos, values and objectives, which are the pillars of our strong state.”
Turning to the graduates, President Mnangagwa said their commissioning comes with serious obligations. “Your graduation confers on you huge responsibilities associated with joining the ranks of officers… Lead with unquestionable loyalty, patriotism and integrity.”
He reminded them to remain true to Zimbabwe’s founding ideals: “Remain mindful that ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa, inodzivirirwa nevene vayo. Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe, livikelwe, ngabanikazi balo.’”
President Mnangagwa also applauded the participation of cadets from Eswatini, reaffirming Zimbabwe’s bilateral ties. “You were indeed good ambassadors of the excellent bilateral relations between our two sister nations… Zimbabwe is your second home,” he said.
