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Nyemudzai Kakore Herald Correspondent
Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Dr Constantine Chiwenga, has implored SADC Chaplin forces to love and respect leaders of their respective countries, saying this would ensure peace and stability in the region.

Officially opening the SADC spiritual and moral working group in Harare yesterday, Dr Chiwenga said army commanders should be held accountable for their actions.

Dr Chiwenga’s remarks were in tandem with the theme of the SADC Chaplin forces conference of “Accountability”.

“You are the disciples so you should love our region SADC. Love the kings and those in authority, love the men, women, in arms who are defending our God given countries,” he said.

“You are accountable to your countries, respective military organisations and your families. If you love one another, you must also love God’s people and teach them as you are the disciples.”

A fortnight ago, Dr Chiwenga described the security forces as the country’s national insurance policy that guaranteed peace and security.

He described the security forces as the “stockholders” of the country who would go nowhere saying others were stakeholders.

Dr Chiwenga gave all the delegates the recently launched book entitled “Julius Nyerere, Asante Sana, Thank you Mwalimu”, co published by Southern African Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC), House of Books, African Publishing Group in Zimbabwe and Mkuki na Nyota of Tanzania.

He said this would acquaint the army with the history of the liberation struggle.

Chairperson of the SADC spiritual and moral working group, Chaplin General of Zambian Defence Forces, Brigadier General Vincent Mwenya, said if SADC had commanders in the calibre of Dr Chiwenga, the region would change for the better.

“If we can afford commanders of this calibre then the entire SADC region will change because God will be exalted,” he said.

“Zimbabwe is headed for victory. I am not eating away to say other commanders are not Christians, no, l am talking about a commander that I have seen and heard who is similar to my commander in Zambia.

Brig Gen Mwenya made a passionate appeal to all commanders to elevate Chaplain Generals to the ranks of Brig Gens in the army establishment.

ZDF Chaplin General Colonel Joseph Nyakudya, said it was taboo in the past to speak about God in the military but they were privileged to have Dr Chiwenga, who knew the word of God.