Government says there is need to academically train members of the security service on how to respond to asymmetrical measures being deployed by hostile superpowers aimed at undermining the security systems of sovereign countries such as Zimbabwe.

Addressing 55 graduates who were conferred diplomas in Defence and Security Studies and Adult Education at Zimbabwe Staff College yesterday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Security and War Veterans Mr Martin Rushwaya said the programmes trained officers to reason strategically in dealing with security challenges.

The diplomas are affiliated to the University of Zimbabwe and drew participants from Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Office of the President and Cabinet, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, including defence force members from the sadc region.

“The Diploma in Defence and Security Studies is unique in its thrust as it equips the graduands with the skills to enable them to discharge their duties professionally in an environment where asymmetrical measures are being deployed by hostile super powers to undermine the security systems of sovereign countries, Zimbabwe included,” he said.

“The strategic and defence concepts and applications covered in the programme provide students with valuable skills to assess and evaluate the effects of the same concepts on national and international military, political, economic and social systems pertaining to national security in particular and global security in general.”

Mr Rushwaya said inclusion of other non-Zimbabwe Defence Force members was aimed at en- abling a cross-pollination of ideas, which will enhance security cooperation and socio-economic transformation in the region and beyond.

Blending of academic modules into the military training programmes, he said, has indeed enriched the military curriculum in line with international military training trends the world over.

“The academic platform availed to students from both local and regional security forces by the Zimbabwe Staff College in association with the University of Zimbabwe is a crucial pedestal for enhancing professional and academic training and development that will lead to a vibrant regional force,” he said.

He also applauded University of Zimbabwe Vice Chancellor Professor Levy Nyagura and the deans from the faculties of Arts and Education for partnering with the Staff College.

“I wish to implore the Vice Chancellor and his dedicated team to maintain this fruitful, strategic and professional union into the future and be the guiding beacon in the college’s desire to be a critical factor in its mission to serve society,” he said.

In his remarks, Professor Nyagura pledged to continue working hand-in-hand with the Staff College.

“We will continue to offer the college the necessary professional guidance in all its academic endeavours as part of our efforts to develop high skilled human resources for the nation,” he said.

“Our vision is to assist the Staff College to become a world-class training centre offering several degrees relevant to the defence and security sector.”

He added that the Diploma in Adult Education enabled officers to understand the philosophical base, guiding principles and socio factors that guide the provision of adult education programmes in the defence forces.

Among the dignitaries that attended the event were ZDF Commander General Constantino Chiwenga, Ministers Air Marshal Perrance Shiri and Major-General Sibusiso Moyo.- state media