Swazi Observer

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KING APPOINTS NEW ARMY COMMANDER

By Sifiso Nhlabatsi | 2019-06-29

Lieutenant General Jeffrey Sipho Tshabalala is the new Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) Army Commander.

Tshabalala, who joined the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force in 1979, replaces former Army Commander Sobantu Dlamini. He was appointed by His Majesty King Mswati III yesterday during the UEDF Army Day where the force celebrated 46 years of existence.

Before making the announcement, His Majesty expressed appreciation that while various people were eagerly awaiting to be appointed into this position, there have been no bad reports of ill-practices such as children going missing and other bad practices.

His Majesty stated that people can go wherever in a bid to consult on the post just as long as there is no harm that comes with that consultation. The King said consulting is a way of life for Africans. He said all this much to the amusement of the crowd that burst into rapturous laughter.

When appointing the new Army Commander, His Majesty said Tshabalala is a man of vast experience and prayed that he works well while serving the army as he has gained knowledge from those he has worked with before.

“I can only hope that Tshabalala continues his family legacy of serving the country well just like his father did. I also appreciate the work performed by the previous Army Commander Sobantu Dlamini who served the army well during his tenure before he had to be redeployed into one of the advisory committees,” remarked His Majesty.

explained

Another esteemed individual who was officially appointed by His Majesty to serve in the army’s top ranks yesterday was Prince Hlangusemphi.

The prince now occupies the new position of Chief Defence Officer. His Majesty explained that this new position was created to be in line with practises in other countries as it is known that they have ministries of defence with line ministers.

He said in the country there is a minister of justice and constitutional affairs which encompasses the army, but the minister is sometimes held up in other duties and can, therefore, not work on defence issues on a full-time basis.

The King said the chief defence officer would work with the principal secretary and the minister in carrying out duties of the army.

His Majesty, while delivering his speech, went into lengths explaining the role of a soldier to the officers and nation at large. The King said to be able to carry out a soldier’s responsibilities to the nation and the world at large requires training that sets one apart from ordinary people.

“A soldier’s training should instil virtues that build high levels of resilience to situations that test patience and perseverance to keep focused and see a task through to its finality.

Being ready to serve in the army involves having to be on the alert 24/7 and executing orders at a very short notice. This requires flexibility no matter what the challenges one may be faced with,” he said.

The king added that a high level of discipline is also an essential trait for a soldier to ensure that they exhibit exemplary and professional behaviour at all times, guided by an oath of office. The King said above all, a soldier has to stay in very good physical health. His Majesty commended trainers for producing the well-trained officers and urged them to maintain the standard of officers with well-toned bodies witnessed yesterday.

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