Hazel Tizora
GWERU: President Emmerson Mnangagwa today commissioned 202 cadets at the Zimbabwe Military Academy in Gweru.
The cadets drawn from Zimbabwe National Army and Air Force of Zimbabwe also saw two candidates from Eswatini’s Umbuto Eswatini Defence Forces graduating.
Congratulating the graduating class, Commandant of the Zimbabwe Military Academy, Brigadier General Chrispen Nduku said the cadets demonstrated exceptional leadership, academic excellence and military prowess during their training.
He also highlighted the significance of the graduation, noting that it marks the 40th course to graduate at the academy since 1980.
“We are gathered to celebrate the culmination of the hard work and dedication of these young men and women,” Brig Gen Nduku said.
As part of their academic achievements, Midlands State University awarded the cadets with diplomas in leadership.
The ceremony also recognized the top performers in various categories.
Shingai Kasambarare emerged as the overall winner of the Sword of Honor, while Patricia Dhewa was the runner-up and Muhammad Komboni was the second runner-up.
In the military training awards, the top three cadets were Danmore Matsenuke, Shingai Kasambarare, and Collen Vheremu, who took the first, second, and third positions, respectively.
President Mnangagwa congratulated the graduating cadets on their achievement, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning, training, and education.
“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,” he said.
He also urged them to lead with unquestionable loyalty, patriotism, and integrity.
“As you receive your commission today and begin to navigate your military professions, be conscious of the reverence our nation accords to the ZDF,” he added.
