180 graduate at Khumalo Barracks in Bulawayo

A total of 180 military personnel graduated yesterday from the Zimbabwe National Army's (ZNA) Ordnance and Transport Training School (OTTS), located at Headquarters One Infantry Brigade (Khumalo Barracks) in Bulawayo, following the successful completion of logistics and transport-related training courses.

The graduating cohort, drawn from both the Zimbabwe National Army and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS), which had two representatives, underwent five intensive training programmes designed to bolster the operational and logistical efficiency of the country's uniformed forces.

The courses included the Basic Stores Course, Senior Stores Management Course, Basic Learner Drivers' Course, Mechanical Transport Administration Course, and the Driving and Maintenance Instructors' Course.

Officiating at the ceremony, ZNA Director of Ordnance, Colonel Godfrey Wapemha, commended the growing representation of women in military training initiatives.

"I am delighted to recognise the presence of several female students. I urge the school to continue enrolling female service members, in line with the Zimbabwe Gender Commission policy, which promotes equality and equity and calls for equal representation of women in all spheres of public life," said Col Wapemha. A total of 23 women were among the graduates.

He added that the training programmes align with the objectives of the Zimbabwe National Army Training Directive for 2025, which underscores training as a key performance area, as well as the QS Br Performance Management Directive.

Colonel Wapemha explained that the 15-week Basic Stores Course, attended by 41 students, covered essential functions of stores management, including demanding, receiving, storing, accounting for, maintaining, and issuing military equipment. Students also underwent practical attachments at various Quartermaster Stores across Bulawayo.

The Senior Stores Management Course enrolled 27 participants over a six-week period and was aimed at equipping non-commissioned officers with advanced competencies in logistics planning and evaluation.

In the transport category, 65 students completed the Basic Learner Drivers' Course, while 23 completed the Mechanical Transport Administration Course. Fourteen participants undertook the Driving and Maintenance Instructors' Course, which trained seasoned drivers to teach vehicle operation and maintenance across ZNA formations.

"These graduates are now ready to assume appointments in various capacities. With the skills and knowledge acquired, they will provide sound logistical advice and improve resource management within their departments," Col Wapemha said.

He emphasized that the courses went beyond technical skills, incorporating modules on civil-military relations, crime prevention, first aid, and modern threats such as cyber and asymmetric warfare.

In a stern closing remark, Col Wapemha urged the graduates to uphold discipline and integrity in their future roles.

"Do not engage in criminal or rogue activities such as fuel and ration theft, or substance abuse. Those who indulge in such unscrupulous behaviour will find no sanctuary in this organisation," he warned.

The graduation marks another milestone in the ZNA's commitment to building a disciplined and well-trained force capable of meeting the logistical demands of modern military operations.