Times Of Swaziland: KING PROMOTES SIX SOLDIERS, COMMANDS ARMY RECRUITMENT KING PROMOTES SIX SOLDIERS, COMMANDS ARMY RECRUITMENT ================================================================================ Joseph Zulu on 29/03/2025 09:30:00 NOKWANE - His Majesty King Mswati III, the Commander-In-Chief of the army, has promoted six senior soldiers as he commissioned army recruitment. This happened during the celebration of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force's (UEDF's) 52nd years of existence (Army Day), which was held at the defence force's headquarters yesterday. Regarding the promotions, the Commander-In-Chief of the army said the soldiers are all aware that there have been some retirements of generals and senior officers in the past year and he will give them officers that will occupy the vacant positions. He said it has been difficult for him to get the names for those officers who will occupy the vacant positions. He said this was because these ranks require integrity and honestly in the army. He said the officers will occupy the ranks of Major General and Brigadier General. “We hope they will also work efficiently in order for your organisation to realise its objectives. He also to thank all retired officers and wish them well as they start this new journey. After that he announced that for the rank of Major General, there was one vacant post and he promoted Brigadier General Ncanawe Dlamini to the rank.The Commander-In-Chief of the military force also promoted five Colonels to the rank of Brigadier General. The newly promoted Brigadier Generals are; Bheki Mtiza Dlamini, Bongani Simelane, Comfort Bhembe, Bheki Tsabedze and Petros Bhembe. However when the King called their names, he highlighted that he had been informed that Brigadier General Comfort Bhembe was out of the country for further academic training. On the other hand, the Commander-In-Chief of the defence force said he is happy to see the army growing and working hard to meet international standards. In that regard, he said it is important to recruit so that new soldiers can learnt from the experienced ones in order to have a smooth transition of skills and knowledge. “So, the Eswatini youth should prepare themselves for the army recruitment exercise, which will happen this year. It should find you (youth) fit and ready,” the King said and this announcement was followed by a loud round of applause and ululations across the arena.It is worth noting that normally, when the army recruits, it calls upon young individuals, between ages 18 and 35 years who feel they are fit to join the defence force and serve the nation, to go their Tinkhundla centres where the recruitment exercises are usually conducted. Unusually, the main requirement for on to join the race of a job in the army is a national identity (ID) card, which indicates the date of birth and chief code. Again, during the recent army recruitment exercise, which was held in 2022, aspiring soldiers were supposed to race in a 3.2km marathon and the top 20 males and first 10 female proceeded to do the other physical exercises; jack knives, push-ups and sit-ups. They were given two minutes and the winners were those who managed to do more than the others. Form each constituency; the army recruited six aspiring soldiers, who would only go to Mbuluzi Infantry School after passing medical tests. On another note, the Commander-In-Chief informed the nation that in the past few weeks, he visited the Mbuluzi School of Infantry and was impressed by the defence force’s vision for continuous personnel training. “It is encouraging that the UEDF has extended this facility to allied forces for external training,” he said. Thereafter, he urged government to expedite the school of infantry’s upgrading to match the standards of advanced military institutions globally. He said the accelerated overseas training programmes are equally commendable as such initiatives equip the soldiers with the expertise needed to address modern challenges, which transcend borders, while gaining continental and global experience. Again, he said through these exchange programmes, high tech equipment is often provided, reflecting the strong bilateral and multilateral relations between our nations. Therefore, he said they trust that these training opportunities - both local and international, will transform the country’s soldiers. He said this is because as trainers share their acquired skills, the entire force will benefit equally. Once more, the King commended the UEDF’s ongoing partnerships with emaSwati, as this demonstrates the military force’s commitment to community engagement. He said this is why they encourage the army to continue with its outreach programmes across constituencies to enhance visibility and interaction with the people. On top of that, he said their health initiatives, delivering quality care through various clinics nationwide, are particularly noteworthy. He said these impactful efforts are made possible with the invaluable support of the country’s our development partners, to whom he extended heartfelt gratitude. “Your swift humanitarian response during recent heavy rains is deeply appreciated,” the king said. He highlighted that over the years, they have consistently provided critical support during natural disasters, including cyclones and severe flooding. He urged the army to sustain these acts of kindness and remain humble and selfless in their service. “Your foremost duty is safeguarding our people at all times,” he emphasised. Moreover, he commended the army’s vital role in national events and activities. He said their diligence as a military force ensures the success of these functions, which are central to emaSwati’s livelihoods. “You guarantee citizens’ participation without fear, preserving the integrity and legacy of these occasions,” the Commander-In-Chief of the UEDF said. He emphasised that it is the duty of the army to uphold the country’s cultural heritage, and to pass traditions to future generations. He said the defence force’s seamless collaboration with other security agencies in maintaining law and order is both essential and commendable. He said this cooperation fosters peace and stability through joint operations, sharing and resolute teamwork. List of promoted soldiers From Brigadier General to Major General · Ncanawe Dlamini From Colonel to Brigadier General · Bheki Mtiza Dlamini · Bongani Simelane · Comfort Bhembe · Bheki Tsabedze · Petros Bhembe. …..HAPPY WITH SOLDIERS IN GLOBAL MISSIONS NOKWANE – His King Mswati III, who is also the Commander-In-Chief of the UEDF, is pleased with positive feedback they get about soldiers who represent the country in international missions. He said the mandate of soldiers is no longer with the country’s boundaries, but it extends beyond, where they contribute peacekeeping under the African Union (AU). “We take pride in the positive feedback that highlights how well you represent Eswatini in international missions. Known for humility and respect, we challenge you to continue excelling wherever duty calls as the continent and the world need your dedication,” the King said. After that, he urged the nation to pray for peace amid global tensions and added that accelerating the deployment of defence attachés is crucial to advancing peacekeeping efforts. On the same note he said the soldiers’ steadfast dedication to their supreme calling aligns with the oath of allegiance they took - to serve and protect the nation unconditionally. He said reminded them that their primary duty is service to the country and as emphasised, they are soldiers at all times. “The nation relies on you for peace and stability,” he added. Therefore, he said they expect innovation and agility to remain relevant in an ever-evolving world. He emphasised that upholding their oath is essential to fulfilling this noble mission. On another note, the Commander-In-chief of the defence force commended them for the impressive and meticulous drills and formation displays they performed during the celebration. He said their precision and discipline demonstrate exceptional excellence, focused commitment and peak physical readiness, which is proof of their preparedness for duty. He said the formations they performed are not merely displays, but have proven integral to military life, both on and off duty. In that regard, he applauded their instructors, whose relentless efforts have ensured their fitness and sharpness. “Your formidable presence reassures the nation of its safety,” the King added. He then encouraged the soldiers to maintain this high standard of physical conditioning, remaining vigilant to meet the demanding requirements of military service. In terms of defence industries, the King said he is pleased by the progress in their industries under the Ministry of National Defence and Security. He said their agricultural projects and sewing factory show immense potential. “Strive to enhance these ventures, ensuring the defence force’s self-sufficiency,” he said. He added that these enterprises will further bolster the nation’s economy, aligning with government initiatives to improve the living standards of emaSwati. In that regard, he urged them to embrace technology to elevate their industries to first world standards, which is something that will ensure they produce market-ready and competitively superior products. Moreover, he commended Hlalawati Savings and Credit Cooperative for addressing the soldiers’ welfare needs. He urged them to manage the cooperative with integrity, free from corruption, so it fulfils its purpose of alleviating financial stress and enabling you to serve effectively. “Soldiers, your welfare is our priority. We recognise the harsh conditions you endure, from border patrols in heavy rains to other important duties and we urge the government to mobilise resources to mitigate these challenges,” the King said.