President Edgar Lungu has commended the Zambia Army for their exemplary response to emergencies and calamities across the country.
President Lungu cited the construction of bridges washed away by rains across the country and the fight against cholera as examples where the Zambia Army intervention was exemplary.
The head of state was speaking when he commissioned 104 specialized officer cadets of intake 8 of 2019 at the Military Training Establishment of Zambia (MILTEZ) in Kabwe in Central Province this morning.
Mr Lungu however warned that government will dismiss defense personnel for indulging in partisan politics.
He said though officers have the right to vote, their loyalty was to the people of Zambia and the government of the day.
President Lungu who is also the Commander-In-Chief of the Defence Force reminded the graduating officers of discipline, dedication to duty and above all to uphold the rule of law.
He added that the Ministry of Defence is working hard to ensure that MILTEZ Defence University is operationalized without delay.
Meanwhile, Zambia Army Commander, Lieutenant William Sikazwe, said Zambian soldiers deployed in peace keeping missions have continued demonstrate high levels of professionalism.
Lt Sikazwe said the rating of the Zambian soldiers undertaking peace keeping assignments is currently at 90 per cent.
He acknowledged government’s efforts of infrastructure development such as housing units in military cantonments.
He said the Zambia Army remains committed to maintaining peace in the country and globally.
President Lungu is in Central Province on a three day working visit.
Times do really change. Congratulations guys and girls for graduating as commissioned officers in both Zambia Army, Zambia National Service and Zambia Airforce. A big surprise is when were these fellows recruited or I am the only one in the dark. In our days we used to see advertisements placed in the print media, join the Zambia Army as an officer e.t.c. But nowadays we only see people graduating, how they were recruited no body knows. We understand the challenges faced by recruiting authorities for fear that if they advertise for only 200 vacancies for example, thousands or hundreds of applications shall be submitted creating confusion. Will our children ever join the Army though they may aspire to be carrier soldiers. Is it worthy in Zambia to desire to one day work as a soldier. You…
@D.M sorry you are so disappointed that so many have got a free job, job they only work 5 hours a week. Just go to report, that’s it.
@D.M don’t hang yourself like others, you can still go and be a primary school teacher, it is a good career. I always tell you young people, that teaching others a noble job and you never know you be next president.
@DM, you can’t see the advert unless you are already in the military. This was in-service training and school leavers training.
Job well done my brother Lt Gen Sikazwe… commander of the Zambia Army… you have really proved your recent promotion as Leuitenant General and subsequent appointment as the new commander of the Zambia Army…may the good Lord grant you wisdom as you discharge your duties… God bless Zambia.
Nice colors, UPND & PF.
Wish HH was invited to Kabwe.
Edgar & HH could have made good friends. Unfortunately.
In these tough times i wish another Christon Tembo would rise up from the Zambian Army to overthrow this corrupt,wasteful and incompetent Lungu administration.
Gen Christon Tembo NEVER overthraw any Govt. What the h3ll are you talking about. Stop tarring the General’s good name. He was a royal soldier who did well for his Country. And anybody and everybody who has tried that cr@p in Zambia has failed and their lives ruined…..not to mention dying a painful and premature death (Luchembe comes to mind.)
By the way, the Zambian military is a professional/volunteer military service…..no one is forced to join or conscripted. Those who are not happy in uniform are free to leave and go do politics where they belong….ON THE FREAKING STREETS as a civilian!
“Overthrow this Govt” like that would make your lives any better. Do you even know or understand what living under a military rule/dictatorship mean?
Ment “loyal soldier”…..
Thats a very dangerous hate speech
Some one looking for triable can the police do its job please?
These are wasted years indeed …next week this workshy dingbat will be in Mumbwa on a three day working visit then he will spend three days in Chilanga
Congratulations bakembo
Ba Lusaka Times, Lieutenant and Lieutenant General are two DIFFERENT ranks.
A Lieutenant cannot be army commander, for Pete’s sake!
@Mayo Mpapa. I was thinking is this a mistake or what, never heard of any low ranking officer such as Lt. being appointed as Army commander unless ofcourse Lusakatimes doesn’t know the difference between lieutenant General and lieutenant.
When did a Lieutenant become Army commander?