Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Engineers Corps Commander Colonel Simbarashe Zhou has urged 126 newly qualified section commanders to demonstrate discipline, resilience and effective leadership as they take up their new responsibilities.
Colonel Zhou made the remarks while officiating at the graduation ceremony for the Section Commanders’ Tactics Course Infantry 15(5)19/26 at 53 Infantry Battalion.
The 20-week course was conducted under 5 Infantry Brigade Headquarters as part of the Zimbabwe National Army’s decentralised junior leadership training programme.
Addressing the graduates, Colonel Zhou congratulated them for successfully completing the demanding course.
“I feel honoured to officiate on this occasion. You must be proud that you endured the 20 weeks that some could not,” he said.
The course, which began on 10 February 2026, initially enrolled 131 soldiers drawn from various Zimbabwe National Army units and formations. According to Colonel Zhou, four trainees were withdrawn on disciplinary grounds while one left for medical reasons, leaving 126 graduates.
He said the training covered Voice Procedure, Employment of platoon weapons, First Aid, Military Law, Civil-Military Relations, Conventional Warfare, Low-Intensity Operations and physical fitness.
Colonel Zhou said the programme was designed to prepare junior leaders to operate effectively in modern military environments.
“Your exposure here has moulded you into 21st-century junior leaders with the physical endurance and professional skills required to operate in the modern battlespace,” he said.
He urged the graduates to continue developing their leadership skills after returning to their respective units.
“It is your responsibility to command and lead. Continue sharpening those skills when you return to your units and formations,” he said.
Colonel Zhou also commended the participation of women in the course, noting that 23 of the graduates were female.
He said their successful completion of the programme reflected the Zimbabwe National Army’s efforts to promote gender balance in personnel development and encouraged more women to enrol in promotion courses.
The Engineers Corps Commander also praised 5 Infantry Brigade Deputy Commander Colonel A. Ruwambara and the training staff for successfully conducting the course despite limited resources.
He attributed the successful completion of the programme to the resilience and commitment of the instructors and support staff.
In his closing remarks, Colonel Zhou urged the graduates to maintain discipline, avoid drug and substance abuse, use social media responsibly and remain committed to operational readiness.
He also encouraged them to uphold loyalty, professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
