The Sunday Mail
Harmony Agere —
IT could have easily passed as one of Reverend Togarepi Chivaviro’s performances as men and women clad in neat outfits loudly sang along to his hit song ‘Ebenezer’ which was blaring from gigantic speakers.
But this was not one of the man of cloth’s shows, it was a graduation party for Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) officers who acquired university degrees in various academic disciplines between 2015 and 2016.
However, the song, whose scriptural meaning is ‘the Lord has taken us thus far’, aptly echoed the festive ambience as the airmen celebrated their academic accomplishments.
“The party will no doubt set the tone for the end of the year festivities which are slowly gathering momentum as the year comes to an end,” remarked AFZ Commander Air Marshal Perence Shiri who hosted the party at his Hopedale Farm in Bindura last week.
The graduation party succeeded the inaugural celebrations that were held at Manyame Air Base in 2014 and has been widely hailed as a motivating feat for prospective students.
“In total we have 104 officers and members who graduated between 2015 and 2016 and we are proud of such an achievement by Air Force of Zimbabwe,” said Defence Minister Sydney Sekeramayi in a speech read on his behalf by the Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Province, Martin Dinha.
Among the graduates was Air Officer, Air Commodore Denis Jaricha who graduated with a doctorate in Theology. Also, 22 officers graduated with Masters’ Degrees in Developmental Studies at Women’s University in Africa while 15 graduated with Masters’ Degrees in Business Administration.
Others graduated in various disciplines from the Midlands State University and Bindura University of Science Education. Dr Sekeramayi said the graduation party is ample demonstration of the AFZ’s commitment to manpower development.
He added that Air Marshall Shiri, who himself graduated with a Masters’ Degree in Developmental Studies from the Women’s University in Africa, is a shining example among his troops.
“It is more heartening to note that the Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe, Air Marshal Perence Shiri, has been a shining example in this endeavour by not only acquiring qualifications but acquiring them in style, scooping book prizes in his area of study.”
Dr Sekeramayi said human resources development in the AFZ will ensure that state resources will be managed and utilised to the satisfaction of the tax payer.
“Despite the Air Force of Zimbabwe’s status as a non-profit making organisation, its officers and members need this training for the professional execution of the organisation’s human and financial resources management and utilisation to the satisfaction of the tax payer,” he said.
In its quest for staff development, the AFZ engaged Women’s University in Africa to offer degree lecturers in its own premises.
Similar arrangements have been made with other institutions where special classes have been organised to accommodate AFZ officers and members.
Dr Sekeramayi said even after retirement, the officers will continue to serve the country. Air Commodore Jaricha said he got encouragement to pursue his Doctorate from Air Marshal Shiri.
“I joined the war when I was 21 and at Independence I was transferred to the Air Force of Zimbabwe together with Air Marshall Shiri,” he said.
“I am a born again Christian so I felt it was my duty to pursue Theology Studies besides my other military courses so that my spiritual life can also impart others in their spiritual being.
“After I told the commander what I want to do with my life after service, he encouraged me to continue with my studies.”
Air Commodore Jaricha said soldiers also go for civilian training. The AFZ traditional dance group and the AFZ band entertained the crowd.
The aroma of roasting steak filled the air. The “Gunmen”, as Zimbabwean soldiers are often called, gyrated on the dance floor. Observers say Zimbabweans always strive to achieve academic excellence regardless of the social, political or economic situation in the country.
