President Rupiah Banda says peace is a catalyst to economic development and it must be guarded jealously.
The President, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, said this in Livingstone today when he commissioned 18 Zambia Air Force (ZAF) officers at a colourful Commissioning and Wings Parade.
He said the defence forces have a highly critical responsibility of preserving, protecting and defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country in order to safeguard the citizens from both internal and external aggression.
Mr Banda said it was for this reason that the defence force should optimise the use of availbale scarce resources in order to carry out their mandate effectively.
Mr Banda said the defence forces should employ effective methods and strategies to protect the lives and property of the citizens from all sorts of adversities.
He also urged the defence forces to employ effective methods and strategies to protect the lives of the citizens against all sorts of adversities.
Mr Banda commended the defence forces for carrying out important civic duties such as food production, road works and repairs, the distribution of electoral materials during elections as well as the rehabilitation of street children.
”Engaging in these activities is important for our military to remain relevant to the needs of society even in times of peace. I expect this role to continue and that all men and women in uniform will commit themselves to making a serious contribution to our nation’s development beyond their military duties,” he said.
Mr Banda noted that government was aware of the numerous challenges that personnel in the defence forces faced in carrying out their duties .
The President said despite the challenges the defence forces faced, he did not expect them to lose sight of their primary calling of defending and protecting the nation.
”As defenders of our peace and security, I expect you to remain focussed and disciplined. The government is mindful of the limitations of resources and we are addressing most of the challenges that confront the well being of our personnel,” he said.
Mr Banda reminded the graduating officers that they have embarked on a very noble career that demanded strict discipline and commitment to duty.
”For this reason, your character must be beyond reproach. As pledged in your oath of allegiance, you should always remeber that the security of our nation lies squarely on your shoulders,” he said.
He urged the officers not to relax at any time or take peace for granted but to be alert and remain vigilant at all times.
The President also said officers were expected to implement good ideas and rise above all challenges by striving to be open minded, non-partisan and by saving the country with honour, commitment and dignity.
He also warned the newly commissioned officers against the dangers of HIV/AIDS which has ravaged the country, adding that the scourge possed a serious threat to the effectiveness of the defence forces because it affects physical and mental fitness of its victims.
The President also said he was happy to learn that among the graduating officers were young women who had trained alongside their male counterparts as pilots, and urged them to rise the challenges of military life and compete for promotion like their male coleagues.
And speaking earlier, ZAF Commander, Samuel Mapala, thanked government for its continued support to the defence forces.
The ZAF Commander also noted that the graduating officers had undergone general, military and professional courses, adding that he was confident they would contribute positively to the service.
Of the 18 newly commissioned officers, 10 are Pilots and eight are Engineers.
[ZANIS]
