Zimpapers Logo

Columbus Mabika and Rejoice Makoni

The Zimbabwe National Army has called on fellow security agencies in the country to upscale gender equality and empowerment of women in a bid to promote a prosperous and inclusive growth as envisaged in the attainment of an upper middle-income economy by 2030.

This comes as the world is celebrating Women’s Month running under the theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”, which is aligned with the priority theme for the upcoming 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women called “Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls”. 

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the 2023 edition of the ZNA Chief of Staff All Comers Shoot at Cleveland Rifle Ranges, ZNA Chief of Staff General Staff, Major General Kasirai Tazira, said it was important for security services to increase women participation.

The shoot was running under the theme: “Polishing musketry skills to enhance a conducive environment towards Vision 2030”.

“I feel privileged and honoured today as I officiate at the 2023 edition of the Chief of Staff All Comers shoot,” said Maj Gen Tazira. “Let me express my appreciation to all firers who continue to participate in this shoot and other events on the Zimbabwe National Army calendar.

“I am informed that the participants went through a significant number of shoots for the past two weeks which culminated in today’s finals and prize giving ceremony. Let me at the same time urge the different services to increase the number of female firers in line with national gender policy.”

The competition, said Maj Gen Tazira, was an important component in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ manpower development and training calendar as it was the cornerstone of any security establishment.

“The climax of the shoot is very encouraging, however, it is my conviction that we must continue to strive to reach greater heights as far as shooting is concerned and at the same time maintain the greater heights so far reached,” he said.

 “Remember that defective training and non-observance of discipline are a recipe for defeat in war. As security forces and civilian shooting clubs, I urge you to train thoroughly.”

Maj Gen Tazira said it was a prerequisite for security organisations to shoot straight, hence the need for the organisations to measure up.

“The security establishment as a matter of fact, must always be alert and be equal to the task if duty calls,” he said. “As commanders at various levels, we want to understand that the best form of welfare for the troops is first-rate training. This will see our troops triumphing in some very difficult situations.”

Maj Gen Tazira said the shoot enabled commanders at various levels to assess the shooting standards within their respective services and preparing participants for the commander ZNA’s Skill At Arms competition and subsequently the Presidential Medal Shoot.

Maj Gen Tazira said the competition was a form of interaction that fostered the spirit of co-operation among services and civilian shooting clubs as firers were also exchanging information and ideas that were pertinent for good relations.

He challenged the participants to continuously work hard so that in future competitions there would be new winners to show that training was taking place amongst the forces.

“As we project into the future, it is equally my expectation and desire that all new firers who performed exceptionally well in this shoot should be integrated with seasoned firers in succeeding editions in order to test them in competitions at highest level,” he said.

This year’s edition drew participants from the Zimbabwe National Army, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Air Force of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, the President’s Department and other non-uniformed competitors such as War Veterans and Harare municipal police shooting club.