Mako Jerera
The Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, this Friday, presided over the Joint Command and Staff Course (JCSC) Number 37 Graduation Ceremony at the Zimbabwe Staff College in Harare.
The Zimbabwe Staff College, established in 1980, offers command and staff training for Zimbabwe National Army officers.
In 1986, the Intermediate Staff Course evolved into the Command and Staff Course (CSC), which began enrolling Air Force of Zimbabwe officers, prompting the creation of an Air Faculty in 1995. The CSC was further upgraded to the Joint Command and Staff Course in January 1996.
This year, 71 officers graduated from the JCSC, 14% of whom were female. Among them, 14 officers represented regional allied defence forces from SADC and beyond, including: Botswana: Major E. Swanka; Eswatini: Lt. Col. N.G. Khumalo Unbuto; Tanzania: Lt. Col. P.L. Nyororo, Maj. M.M. Kinana;
South Africa: Lt. Col. D.K. Litlhakanyane, Lt. Col. K.S.M. Machaka, Lt. Col. M.H. Mokoena;
Namibia: Wing Commander A.U. Ujaha, Lt. Col. P.S. Mukerenge;
Kenya (first-time participant): Lt. Col. H.O. Emase; Zambia: Lt. Col. Mukumbuta; Malawi: Major F.N. Silica; and Nigeria: Major U.F. Abubakar.
The diverse composition of the graduands reflects the inclusive nature of the course, fostering collaboration, the exchange of ideas, and skill-sharing to enhance national, regional, and continental security.
President Mnangagwa presented certificates and awards to the graduates, recognizing exceptional performances. The awards were as follows; Best Allied Student: Major U.F. Abubakar (Nigeria), who also secured Second Runner-up for Overall Best Student;
First Runner-up – Overall Best Student: Major Primrose Rupanga (ZDF); and
Overall Best Student: Major Gibson T. Basopo (ZDF).
The Best Commanders’ Research Paper award was presented to Squadron Leader Natia Karonga (ZDF) for the research titled, “An exploration of factors influencing crime distribution in Harare Central Business District (CBD) using Geospatial Intelligence Techniques.”
The research emphasized the importance of addressing socio-economic challenges through economic development and the regulation of the informal economy.
In his address, President Mnangagwa underscored the importance of safeguarding Africa’s natural wealth against external manipulation, coercion, and infiltration. He emphasized,
“Technology advancements have resulted in greater discoveries of additional rich natural resources within our country and on the Continent. Regrettably, this has entailed greater interests from those who would want to rob from us our God-given wealth, by seeking to manipulate, coerce, infiltrate and even overthrow our governments.”
The President further stated, “Our mantra, African solutions to African problems, must remain true for posterity. A country is built and must be defended by its own people. The responsibility to proffer and implement solutions to propel the peace, security, development, modernization, and prosperity of our country, the SADC region, and the African Continent lies with all of us.”
As the SADC Chairperson, President Mnangagwa called for intensified efforts to “Silence The Guns” across Africa, highlighting the economic toll of conflicts and the need to prioritize development and prosperity for the continent’s people.
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