By Dorcas Rumano

The Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and Chancellor of the Zimbabwe National Defence University (NDU), President Emmerson Mnangagwa was today conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Defence and Security Studies by the NDU.

Speaking at the NDU Graduation ceremony today, President Mnangagwa said the PHD that he was honoured with is an acknowledgment of the good fight that he, together with other war liberators fought in liberating Zimbabwe.

President Mnangagwa said, “The award is recognition of the road we have traversed together in search for our country’s independence as well as securing and maintaining peace and political stability within Zimbabwe and our region as a whole. It is humbling and important to note that this award is a symbolic gesture reflecting the ultimate sacrifice made by compatriots both fallen and living to liberate us from colonial bondage. This conferment comes a few days before we commemorate and remember their immense sacrifices, courage and dedication.”

The President reminded Zimbabweans that building and developing a new Zimbabwe requires people who are loyal and committed to defending and safeguarding the gains of the country’s independence.

 “Let me remind all of us that building and developing a new Zimbabwe requires people who are loyal, patriotic, reliable and committed to defend and safeguard the gains of our independence.  These are the qualities which must remain deeply imbedded in those who pass all our institutions of higher learning,” President Mnangagwa said.

Seven officers from the Faculty of Social Science graduated with Masters of Science in International Studies, while 31 officers from the Centre for Defence and Security Studies graduated with a National Defence Course Certificate.

Conferment of an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Defence and Security Studies degree to President Mnangagwa resonates well with his upcoming SADC Chairmanship of Organ on Politics, Defence and Security.