By Dumisani Ndlovu
Gweru, Zimbabwe – In a momentous ceremony held on May 16, 2025, President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa, Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, presided over the commissioning parade of Regular Officer Cadet Course 3/40/23.
The event, which took place at the Zimbabwe Military Academy, celebrated the graduation of 202 cadets, including 54 women and 148 men, who have undergone rigorous training to serve in the nation’s armed forces.
The ceremony commenced with President Mnangagwa addressing a gathering that included senior government officials, military leaders, and distinguished guests. He expressed pride in the graduates, emphasizing the importance of their training in safeguarding Zimbabwe’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
“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,” he stated.
The journey for these young men and women began approximately 21 months ago when they enrolled in one of the most demanding military courses. From an initial pool of 250 candidates, only the most dedicated and capable emerged to don the officer’s insignia. Among the graduates, two cadets had the unique opportunity to train in Mozambique, further enhancing their military experience.
President Mnangagwa took a moment to commend the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for its progressive approach in increasing female representation within the military.
“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. By so doing, you are tapping the inherent potential of women to also contribute to our national defence, peace, and security effort,” he remarked.
In a poignant moment, the President paid tribute to Officer Cadet Muzondo Joe Prosper, who tragically passed away during the training. “May His Soul Rest in Peace,” he concluded, as the audience observed a moment of silence in his honor.
The training program for the cadets was meticulously structured into three phases: basic military training, conventional warfare, and low-intensity operations. Over the course of their education, cadets engaged in various subjects, including Skill at Arms, Fieldcraft, Command and Leadership, Military Law, and Civil-Military Relations. This comprehensive curriculum not only equipped them with essential military skills but also instilled the character and leadership qualities necessary for both combat and peacetime operations.
In recognition of the evolving nature of warfare, President Mnangagwa challenged the Zimbabwe Military Academy to incorporate modern technological advancements into the training curriculum. “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,” he said, underscoring the importance of adapting to new challenges in military strategy.
The President also praised the collaborative training efforts between Zimbabwe and other southern African countries, noting that the presence of cadets from the Kingdom of Eswatini at the ceremony highlighted the importance of regional military cooperation. “Such collaboration must be strengthened and scaled up as it aids in the interoperability among Defence Forces in our region, especially in the context of the SADC Mutual Defence Pact,” he added.
The commissioning parade served as a powerful reminder of the dedication and resilience of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, as well as the commitment of the new officers to uphold the values and responsibilities bestowed upon them. As the graduates prepare to embark on their military careers, they carry with them the hopes of a nation that looks to them to protect its sovereignty and contribute to regional stability.
The graduation of Regular Officer Cadet Course 3/40/23 marks a significant milestone for the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, reinforcing the importance of a well-trained and diverse officer corps ready to face the challenges of modern warfare and peacekeeping. As they step into their roles, these new officers embody the spirit of service and sacrifice, poised to lead Zimbabwe into a future defined by resilience and strength.
