Takudzwa Dhambu
THE Air Force of Zimbabwe has intensified its anti-drug war by introducing compulsory testing for all recruits.
Speaking during a graduation ceremony for 305 recruits at the Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo Air Force Base in Chegutu over the weekend, AFZ commander John Nzvede warned that drug and substance abuse had become a growing national menace and could not be tolerated within the country’s security institutions.
“Drug, alcohol, and substance abuse is one of the latest additions to the training.
“The president and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has declared that drug and substance abuse is a growing threat to the nation’s health, security, economy, and social stability.
“In response, it was proven that awareness of these threats begins early in the careers of serving members. In addition, the Air Force of Zimbabwe has made testing of applicants for illicit drugs a requirement before recruitment.
“These recruits were among the first to undergo these tests. Defending Zimbabwe and all its interests cannot be entrusted to individuals who abuse alcohol and drugs, as this compromises their readiness to perform military duties,” Nzvede said.
“Having passed the medical examinations and covered the subjects during your course, the challenge now is to remain clean and sober.
“However, it will take strong willpower and discipline to stay clear of this path. During your training, it was revealed that discipline is the key to success for both individual and collective military performance.
“As you begin your career in the Air Force of Zimbabwe, I urge you to maintain the highest standard of discipline.
“Any offence that you commit will end your prosperity in the organisation.”
He added that the renewal of contracts for the graduates was not guaranteed, but depended on individual performance and discipline record.
“For the majority of the graduates here, you will be deployed to perform security duties where you will have service weapons. In the past, there have been isolated incidents where members attempted to use these weapons in illegal activities, such as assaults on minors. In some cases, armed robberies,” Nzvede said.
He noted that physical fitness was another important area the AFZ was focusing on.
“As we have all seen here, you are all physically fit and you were able to excellently perform drills and taekwondo displays.
“Performing military duties requires that you maintain these levels of fitness throughout your career.
“To ensure that these standards are maintained, fitness tests are conducted twice a year.
“All officers and members are required to pass these tests.
“Going forward, this will now be one of the requirements for one to be considered for promotion to the next rank and for selection to attend some foreign courses.”