President Hichilema 
officiated at the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) No. 46 and No. 47 commissioning and Wings Parade, marking the largest number of Air Force officer cadet pass-outs, since independence.
This contigent of 470 new officers, represented the best of our nation’s sons and daughters, hailing from all ten provinces of in Zambia, demonstrating the governments commitment to inclusivity.
President Hichilema commended their perseverance in completing a rigorous training program which encompassed various military skills.
During the ceremony, President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized the critical role that peace and stability play in national development. “Without peace, it is impossible to attain economic transformation,” the President remarked. He highlighted the importance of the Air Force in maintaining sovereignty and security against both external and internal threats.
President Hichilema urged the new officers to embody discipline, promote harmony, and exercise tolerance. He called on them to avoid toxic discourses that undermine fellow citizens and to uphold the principles of “One Zambia, One Nation, One People.”
In his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Hichilema announced a directive to enhance the curriculum of all Armed and Security Forces to include national unity and equality as key subjects. This initiative aims to foster a deeper sense of unity and fairness within the ranks.
Furthermore, the President stressed the importance of fairness and equity in the career progression of military personnel, ensuring that deserving individuals are recognized and promoted. He also committed the government to supporting the integration of technology within the Armed Forces, enhancing collaboration and operational unity across all Defense and Security Departments.
The event was a proud moment for the nation, celebrating not only the achievements of the new officers but also the values of unity, discipline, and progress that they represent.
We need more skilled drone operators. These gen z kids brought up on play stations and xbox are perfect for the job.I would argue that lego and video games should be part of child development. Wire cars are great but they make our kids aim lower in life.
WE HAVE NO WARS TO FIGHT. LET THEM GO AND START RUNNING MILLING PLANTS LIKE THEIR COLLEAGUES IN ZAMBIA NATIONAL SERVICE. WE NEED MORE CHEAPER MEALIE MEAL NOT GUNS AND DRONES.
I started with wire cars. I’m in robotics and programming now. My wire cars had lights and indicators.
@Observer: When Angola threatened Chiluba with invasion after accusing us of arming Savimbi, Fred Mmembe revealed how weak our air force was publishing pathetic stats for ZAF
This is the only place he can put his cadres. His going to sustain the wage bill since he is giving minerals for free. For those of us who heavily pay taxes, let us wait for ERB this afternoon.
Britain has a ceremonial position called Lord Lieutenant in every county. In former times this position’s role was to spot young men suitable for recruitment into its military. This ensured that recruitment of soldiers came from different corners of the country. It’s the system that the British left but some of our governments trashed it without finding out why it was in place. Our military experts of course knew it but they let it get eroded. It’s what HH is talking about here.
This is a welcome move. Zambia is missing in certain. A country is about everything developing, human endeavor and many other national duties, services etc.
He just had to mention ‘from all parts of the country’ but check the majority and see were they hail from 2026 kuya bebele
Awful reporting. Where was the event taking place?
I dont think LT has an Editor
I think Zambia should consider having a navy. Although we are landlocked, we can always ask one of our neighbors for a port. There is need to have some presence on the open seas and participate militarily in world events
Yayi Rather talk about the fact that we have five water bodies bordering our country.
Show me one land-locked country that has a navy. Your posting is poppycock.
470 new recruits but only 2 planes. What are they going to do? Fly 5 minutes each? And that is if they can buy jet fuel.
Two??
@Ba Razor naimwee, NOT EVERYONE WHO IS RECRUITED INTO THE AIRFORCE FLYS PLANES/FIGHTER JETS. For any Airforce (or Army) to run, you need Officers in LOGISTICS, SUPPLY, PERSONNEL DEPT (Senior & Junior Commisioned officers who are in charge of NON-COMISIONED Officers in various fields of specialization.) You also need Commissioned Officers in ADMINISTRATION/PAYROLL DEPT, HEALTH/MEDICAL DEPT, FINANCE/BUDGETING DEPT, and the list goes on and on! All this require COMMISIONED OFFICERS in charge. Actually, out of the 470 recruits there is probably only a handful who were recruited as pilots and got their WINGS today. So stop it!
Maria, There is a US Navy on the banks of both Zimbabwe and Zambian side on lake Kariba. I physically saw them on my night cruise with my family in 2022. It’s good suggestion.
What are they going to do now ???
Fly Kites
Well done ZAF officers and well done Bwana HH , i just hope my Tumbuka people are well represented in this class.