By Vumani Mthiyane
Youths in Matabeleland South are reportedly shunning the latest Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) recruitment exercise largely due to lack of educational qualifications, negative attitude towards the army and brain drain.
From the 1st of April to 20 April 2021, the army was recruiting officer cadets before extending the period to 14 May after failing to get enough numbers.
In an interview with CITE, Umzingwane Member of Parliament, Retired Brigadier General Levi Mayihlome said it is disturbing to note that youths from the province are shunning employment opportunities initiated by the government.
He, however, pointed out some of the challenges.
“This can be attributed to poor education qualifications by youths in the province hence failing to meet requisite entry qualifications. On the other hand, there is an issue of attitudes emanating from poor career guidance from the homes, schools and society who seem to fail to understand that we all have a responsibility to defend our motherland,” said MP Mayihlome.
He added that there is also a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of benefits for serving the nation.
Mayihlome said the army has a tried and tested policy of giving every district an equal quota and urged all other government departments and parastatals to emulate the same recruitment policy.
“So young men and women need to be socialized to embrace such policies that promote equity in employment opportunities. If as a community we shun these opportunities others will grab them, and as result we cry of marginalisation, when in actual fact we overlook opportunities,” he said.
Contacted for comment, ZNA spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Alphios Makotore declined to comment on the matter.
“The information you asking for is a security item that can not be discussed over the phone,” said the army spokesperson.
