ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE
ZAMBIA COMBINED CADET FORCE;
AN ANALYSIS OF ITS
RELEVANCE IN MODERN ZAMBIA
INTRODUCTION
1. The operations of the Zambia Combined
Cadet Force (ZCCF) can be traced back to pre-independence times. This was in
1948 after the introduction of Secondary Schools in Northern Rhodesia, then
simply established as Combined Cadet Force (CCF).
2. The Federal Act required all Boys of
fourteen years (minimum age) to join Cadet Force with exceptions on medical
advice or acceptable reasons. The object of the Cadet Corps was to provide
moral, mental and physical training for boys to develop character, leadership,
initiative and confidence.
3. ZCCF was established in 1964, by
Government Notice No 46 of 1964, which repealed the Northern Rhodesia and
Nyasaland Cadets Corps Act of 1955. The additional role for ZCCF was to prepare
Cadets for military service. It also increased the minimum age for joining to
fourteen years six months.
4. The concept of ZCCF is practiced in a
lot of countries around the world, and is often referred to as Youth Training
or National Service. In most of these countries, only school leavers are
recruited before entry into Universities or Colleges just as obtained in Zambia
in the 1970s and early 1980s. In the Southern Africa Development Community
(SADC) Region, Mozambique and Zimbabwe are good examples where youth training
is more pronounced. The main objective is to inculcate Patriotism and
Nationalism in the youth so that they may serve their countries better.
5. ZCCF falls under ZCCF/TF/HG Directorate
at Army Headquarters, which is responsible for the coordination of all ZCCF
Activities through Provincial Commands.
6. There has been reduced support to ZCCF
activities and this is generally attributed to lack of adequate funding by the
government. It has been observed that the lack of patriotism and nationalism
among the youth in recent years is a result of this reduced training and
support for youth programmes and activities in general.
AIM
7. The aim of this paper is to examine the
roles and Functions of ZCCF, to determine its relevance in the current Defence
and Security setting in Zambia.
BACKGROUND
8. The ZCCF started as Combined Cadet
Force in 1948. This was after the introduction of Secondary Schools in Northern
Rhodesia earlier the same year. In 1952, the name changed to Northern Rhodesia
Cadets Corps. An Ordinance to provide for the establishment and maintenance of
the Combined Cadet Force in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland was enacted in
1955. The Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland Cadet Corps Act of 1955, enacted by
the Federal Government replaced the Northern Rhodesia Cadets Corps formed in
1952.
9. In 1956, the Northern Rhodesia and
Nyasaland Cadet Corps changed its name to Federal Cadet Corps. This was to
reflect the new government structure of the Federation of Rhodesia and
Nyasaland, comprising Northern Rhodesia (Zambia), Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe)
and Nyasaland (Malawi). The actual organization, roles and functions did not
change.
10. In 1961, authority was granted by the
Federation to have Cadet Corps in all Schools. As a result, all Secondary
Schools introduced Cadets training, which became part of the school programmes.
11. Senior Regular Officers in Units were
responsible for training of Cadets. The Units comprised 1 Engineer Sqn, 67 Rifles, 77 Rifles, 1 Bn
and 2 Bn which made up the Northern Rhodesia Regiment. All logistical arrangements
for Cadets training were coordinated by concerned Units, and the Units had
representation in all schools. Cadet Service was recognized for those who
joined Territorial Forces within twelve months of leaving the Cadet Force.
12. The Federal Act required all Boys of
fourteen years (minimum age) to join Cadet Force with exceptions on medical
advice or acceptable reasons. The principal object of the Cadet Corps was to
provide moral, mental and physical training for boys to develop character,
leadership, initiative and confidence. All lessons were tailored to ensure
development of one or more of these attributes in the boys.
13. On 25 April 1964, the government approved
the formation of the Combined Cadet Force Battalion and Six Bands, commanded by
a Major. Each of the following schools contributed two platoons and a Band:
a. Canisius
College (in Southern Province).
b. Gilber Rennie
(now Kabulonga Boys High School - in Lusaka).
c. Hilcrest
High School (in Livingstone).
d. Kalonga
High School (in Kabwe - then Broken Hill).
e. Munali
High School (in Lusaka).
f. Prince
Philip High School (now Kamwala High School - in Lusaka).
g. King
Goerge IV High School (in Kabwe).
14. The Zambia Combined Cadet Force was established
in 1964. Authority for its establishment is found in Government Notice No 46 of
1964, which provided for the establishment and maintenance of ZCCF, and for the
repeal of the Rhodesia and Nyasaland
Cadets Corps Act of 1955. The ZCCF Act increased the minimum age for joining
Cadet Force from fourteen years to fourteen years six months. It also
restricted eligibility to boys attending a recognized secondary school in Form
III or above. Training became a responsibility of the Regular Officers and
Soldiers of the newly transformed Zambia Army, and training objectives remained
the same.
15. The primary role of the force was to
foster among youth of Zambia, an interest in the Armed Forces. This included giving
pre-service training to potential entrants into the regular, territorial or auxiliary
forces. It did not form part of the Defence Force, but assisted in the
production of candidates for commissioned rank. Military training covered
Drill, Basic Field Craft, Skill at Arms and Map Reading. Field exercises
included Range Firing Exercises and Field Craft exercises. These were normally
conducted during annual camps, which were organized every year in each
province.
STATEMENT
OF THE PROBLEM
16. The laws and regulations governing the
operations of ZCCF were repealed, amended and refined several times from the
inception of CCF in 1948 to the enactment of the ZCCF Act in 1964. This was to
restructure and refine roles to suit changing times. However, no major changes
have been made between 1964 and 2012 to factor changes in the political
landscape and defence and security Laws. This leaves a question as to whether
the roles and objectives in the ZCCF Act are still valuable in the current
defence and security setting. It has also been observed that there is lack of
Patriotism and Nationalism among the youth of modern Zambia, and this is attributed
to reduced youth training. This paper seeks to investigate and analyze the roles
and functions of ZCCF to establish their suitability and relevance in Modern
Zambia.
OBJECTIVES
17. General
Objective: To examine the roles and functions of ZCCF and determine
their suitability in the current Defence and Security environment.
18. Specific
Objectives
a. Review the Chapters of the Laws of
Zambia that govern the operations of ZCCF.
b. Review available books/précis/pamphlets
containing material related to the operations of ZCCF.
c. Interview selected Officers and
Soldiers to hear their views on the current operations of ZCCF.
d. Analyze the data collected on the
operations of ZCCF to determine the current status.
e. Identify areas of weaknesses in the
operations, and make suitable recommendations for improvement.
JUSTIFICATION
19. It had taken a long time without
reviewing the operations of ZCCF, therefore, there was need to do so to
determine if the current structure, roles and functions were still valid in the
current political, and defence and security environment. There had also been perceived
reduced activity and support for the operations of ZCCF; hence the need to establish
the reasons for this reduced activity and support.
LIMITATIONS
20. Due to time limits and limited financial
resources, the research was only conducted in Lusaka. It was expected that the
information obtained represented a broad spectrum of ZCCF Character since the Directorate
is in Lusaka, and most of ZCCF activities take place in Lusaka.
DEFINITIONS
21. For the purpose of this paper, the following
words/terms will carry the meaning as defined:
a. Home
Guard – The Home Guard established under Section three of the Home Guard
Act.
b. Territorial
Force – The Territorial Force of the Army established under the provisions
of Section………….of the Defence Act (Cap 106 of the Laws of Zambia).
c.
Force – The Army reserve and Territorial Army reserve.
d. Patriotism
– The love for a nation, with more emphasis on values and beliefs; defensive in
nature, both militarily and culturally.
e. Nationalism
- To give more importance to unity by way of a cultural background,
including language and heritage.
LITERATURE
REVIEW
23. Literature related to the operations of
ZCCF and the Zambia Defence Force in general was reviewed in detail to
establish the gaps. This included the following publications:
a. The
Defence Act. In the Preamble of the Defence Act (Cap
106 of the laws of Zambia - formerly Cap 131), it states that; “An Act to
provide for the creation and maintenance in Zambia of a Defence force
consisting of an Army comprising of; The Regular Force of the Army, the
Territorial Force (Home Guard) of the Army and the Regular Force of the Army.” School
Cadets are trained by officers and soldiers from the Regular Force of the Army,
therefore the provisions of the Defence Act have a bearing on the organization
and activities of the ZCCF.
b. Zambia
Combined Cadet Force Act. The Zambia Combined Cadet Force was
established in 1964. Authority for its establishment is found in Government
Notice No 46 of 1964, which provided for the establishment and maintenance of
ZCCF, and for the repeal of the Rhodesia and
Nyasaland Cadets Corps Act of 1955. The ZCCF Act (Chapter 112 of the laws
of Zambia (formerly Cap 132) increased the minimum age for joining Cadet Force
from fourteen years to fourteen years six months. It also restricted
eligibility to boys attending a recognized secondary school in Form III or
above. Training became a responsibility of the Regular Officers and Soldiers of
the newly transformed Zambia Army, and training objectives remained the same.
c. Cadet
Training Vol III. Cadet Training Volume III specifies the type of
training School Cadets are to undertake. This includes the military drills and
other subjects meant to develop leadership, Confidence, Courage, initiative and
other qualities required of a responsible man. This is followed by by all
Cadets instructors in Secondary Schools. However, due to lack of qualified
instructors in most secondary schools, some of these qualities are not
developed, leaving drill as the main training activity known by all.
d. Home
Guard Act. The Home Guard Act (Chapter 135 of the Laws of Zambia) was
enacted in 1972 and abolished the Territorial Force Act. The Cadet training
which service as recognized by the Territorial Act became recognized as such by
this new Act. Therefore, the Home Guard recognizes Cadets training if a member
joins the Home Guard within one year.
e. Northern
Rhodesia and Nyasaland Cadet Corps Act 1955. This Act was enacted to
recognize the joint-ness of Cadet activities between Northern Rhodesia and
Nyasaland during the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. It was further
abolished with the enactment of the Federal Cadet Act which recognized cadet
activities in Southern Rhodesia as well.
f. Federal
Cadet Corps Act of April 1956. The Federal Act required all Boys of
fourteen years (minimum age) to join Cadet Force with exceptions on medical
advice or acceptable reasons. The object of the Cadet Corps was to provide
moral, mental and physical training for boys to develop character, leadership,
initiative and confidence.
g. Government
Ordinance No 46 of 1964. The Zambia Combined Cadet Force was
established in 1964. Authority for its establishment is found in Government
Notice No 46 of 1964, which provided for the establishment and maintenance of
ZCCF, and for the repeal of the Rhodesia and
Nyasaland Cadets Corps Act of 1955. The ZCCF Act increased the minimum
age for joining Cadet Force from fourteen years to fourteen years six months.
It also restricted eligibility to boys attending a recognized secondary school
in Form III or above
h. Zambia
National Service Act. Zambia National Service was formed to supplement
the Army during liberation struggles. This is as contained in the Zambia
National Service Act (Chapter 136 of the laws of Zambia). All school leavers
were required to undergo Nation Service training before going to college.
Cadets training and experience in Secondary Schools was used as a stepping
stone to further military training with National Service. Due to prior military
knowledge, Former School Cadets excelled well during National Service and
helped motivate the rest throughout the course.
j. 1987 Philippine Constitution. In Article II (Declaration of
Principles and State Policies), Section 13, the State recognizes
the vital role of the youth in nation-building and undertakes to promote and
protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being.
It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their
involvement in public and civic affairs. Section 17 states that “the State shall give priority to
education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster
patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human
liberation and development”.
k. Other books, précis, pamphlets, reports
and publications relevant to the study were reviewed. These included training pamphlets
issued by ZCCF Directorate from time to time and précis used by instructors in
the conduct of Cadet Training by ZCCF Lusaka Command. Annual Reports by ZCCF
Directorate and ZCCF History as compiled by ZCCF/RF/HG Directorate were also
reviewed to get an insight of activities which were conducted in the recent
past.
METHODOLOGY
24. The research was done by way of
literature review, questionnaires and interviews with selected service
personnel and current members of ZCCF. The target groups were:
a. Questionnaires.
Officers and Warrant Officers serving with ZCCF, and any other persons deemed
to have knowledge of the operations of \ZCCF and roles. The questionnaire is at
Annex A. Fifty (50) questionnaires were given to selected officers and men.
b. Interviews:
Selected individuals from ZCCF Directorate, ZCCF Lusaka Command, Ex-Servicemen,
DALS and Operations and Training Branch were interviewed. A total of One
Hundred (100) officers, soldiers, School Cadets and civilians were interviewed.
FINDINGS
25. The findings were evaluated and analyzed
in detail to ensure right conclusions and recommendations were made. The
findings were as follows:
a. Establishment.
The Zambia Combined Cadet Force (ZCCF) came into being through an Act of
Parliament (Chapter 132 of the Laws of Zambia) of 18 September 1964 which
provided for the establishment and maintenance in Zambia of the Cadet Force.
The Zambia Combined Cadet Force became a responsibility of the Zambia Army for
all training activities, and all allowances due to members were channeled
through the Army.
b. Organisation
of ZCCF. In the Preamble of the Def Act, it states that; “An Act to
provide for the creation and maintenance in Zambia of a Defence force
consisting of an Army comprising of; The Regular Force of the Army, the
Territorial Force (Home Guard) of the Army and the Regular Force of the Army.”
Chapter 7 of the Cadet Force Act states that; “Command, Training and Inspection
of the Cadet Force shall be vested in the Army Commander.” The organization of
ZCCF is as follows:
(1) ZCCF/HG/RF Directorate at Army HQ is
responsible for organization and training.
(2) All provincial centres have commands
comprising several ZCCF contingents under them.
(3) A contingent of Army Cadets consists of
one or more platoons commanded by an Officer appointed by the Army Commander.
(4)
A platoon consists of not more than
twenty-eight (28) Cadets, of whom one cadet is a Cadet Second Lieutenant
appointed by the Army Commander, three Cadet Sergeants and three Cadet
Corporals.
(5) A contingent comprising two or more
platoons may be granted authority to raise a Band consisting of not more than
twenty (20) Cadets, of whom one may be a Drum Major.
(6) The Army Commander may form any number
of Army Cadet Contingents into a Unit which shall be commanded by an Officer not
higher than Major.
d. Functions
of ZCCF. The functions of ZCCF
include:
(1) To foster among the youth of Zambia, an
interest in the Armed Forces.
(2) To prepare Cadets for military service
by providing moral, mental and physical training for boys to develop character,
leadership, initiative and confidence.
(3) To take part in selected parades as
authorized by the Army commander from time to time.
(4) Participate in Social functions of
national character when invited and authorized by the Army Commander through
Provincial commands. In Lusaka, Cadets participate during the National
Agriculture and Commercial Show which is organized every year on Farmers Day
holiday in August.
e. Command.
Command, training and inspection of the Cadet Force is vested in the Army
Commander (Cap 132, Sec 7). He appoints officers to command ZCCF and directs
all operations through ZCCF/RF/HG Directorate. The Regional Commanders in
Provinces help Provincial ZCCF Commands in the administration of all ZCCF
activities, including guidance as to which programmes the Cadets have to
participate in. Currently, this study found out that Regional Commands are
either co-located with Zambia Army Regional HQs or located within the same
area. Though control by and reliance on Regional HQs for admin purposes was
reported, actual interference in training activities is not there.
f. Issue
of Government Property.
Issue of Arms, equipment, clothing and general stores to Contingents is at the
expense of the Government of Republic of Zambia. The accounting for equipment
issued to various schools is the responsibility of such schools through the
instructors seconded to secondary schools in question. This is reflected in the
ZCCF Act. This is currently the case as was confirmed by respondents. However,
most of the respondents indicated that supply of required equipment and
clothing has been erratic in the recent past. This was attributed to reduced
funding as well reduced political will for the activities of ZCCF.
g. Guards
of Honour. Cadet shall not form any Guards of Honour or take part in
any public functions in their capacity as Cadets without the authority of the
Army Commander. This is according to the ZCCF Act. This research found out that
normally, participation of Cadets in parades is limited to social functions of
entertainment nature.
h. Rations.
Officers and Cadets of ZCCF attending duty are entitled to be issued with
rations at the expense of the government. Rations are normally issued to Cadets
during annual camps and parades lasting for over eight hours as provided for in
the regulations. The rations are accounted for using the Zambia Army ration
accounting system, and drawn by the Quartermaster of the Unit coordinating the
training.
j. Standard
of Proficiency. The standard of proficiency to be attained by Cadets is
recognized by the granting of appropriate certificates and awards. Such
certificates are issued during annual camps. This research established that in
most schools, the required standard of training is not being attained due to
lack of qualified instructors and other resources. Some of the respondents
claimed that Cadet Force had been reduced to a mare club instead of a Force and
that the original values have been eroded with time. Some school Cadets
interviewed did not know the objectives of Cadet training as per ZCCF Act. The
come response was that they joined because of their interest in joining the
Defence Forces after completing Secondary School.
k. Public
Perception. Most of the interviewees identified the roles of ZCCF as
participation in youth day celebrations and other youth programmes as opposed to
the roles of ZCCF as per establishment. However, over 90% of them feel Cadet
Service is good for the youth and should be encouraged. Physical training was
by far the known objective of ZCCF Cadet training. Very few of those interviewed
identified the provision of moral, mental and physical training for boys to
develop character, leadership, initiative and confidence as indicated in the
ZCCF Act.
l. Training
Activities. This researcher discovered through this research that
training activities had reduced drastically as compared to the period up to
1990. Respondents bemoaned lack of consistence in organizing training camps and
range activities in the recent past. However, most of them attributed this sad
development to lack of adequate funding. ZCCF/RF/HG Directorate personnel
interviewed mentioned of annual training programmes being done every year, but
that funding was the major challenge.
m. Appointments.
(a) The President may appoint persons to
hold commissioned ranks in the Cadet Force. An officer shall hold his
appointment during the pleasure of the President, but his commission shall not
be cancelled unless he is notified in writing of the action proposed to be taken
against him and is called upon to show cause in relation thereto (Cap 132 Sec7).
(b) The Army Commander may appoint a Cadet
Second Lieutenant or Cadet Acting Sub-Lieutenant. On the report of a board of
inquiry, the Army Commander may cancel the appointment of such cadets. He may
also suspend any cadet from duty.
n. Promotions.
The Army Commander may:
(a) On the authority of the President,
promote or temporarily appoint any officer to higher rank.
(b) Appoint any officer to act in a higher
rank.
(c) Suspend any officer from duty.
o.
Allowances. A Cadet Second Lieutenant attending for duty at
a Cadet Camp is entitled to allowances at prevailing rates. Currently, these
allowances have normally not been paid due to lack of sufficient funds.
p. Training
Objective. The main objective of ZCCF training is to provide moral,
mental and physical training for boys to develop character, leadership,
initiative and confidence. Most of the respondents could not ascertain as to
whether those that passed through the Cadets Training developed these traits
better than those that did not. Teachers of Secondary Schools interviewed said
that it was rear to have the best students join Cadets training due to lack of
knowledge of the objectives, and that the numbers are usually low to make a
meaningful comparison, which they said require time. On the other hand, it was
clear that very few schools keep track of former students to make an informed
opinion. However, it was clear that those that passed through compulsory Zambia
National Service training appreciated the benefits and happy they did it, but
also that the leadership qualities acquired are helping them in their current
fields of work. Such individuals highly recommended Cadets Training in schools.
q.
Challenges. The major challenges of ZCCF as submitted by
most respondents are:
(1) Lack of adequate funding for training
activities. This is said to be the major challenge faced by ZCCF in the recent
past. Many planned camps have been cancelled due to lack of funds to conduct
the exercise.
(2) Lack of Uniforms to distribute to all
Schools. Some schools have not been issued with Cadet Uniforms for a long time
making them train in civil clothing.
(3) Cadets do not get any priority during
recruitment. Naturally, Cadets develop interest in joining the armed forces and
look forward to either join the Army or Airforce. However, due to high
unemployment levels in the country, recruitment is very competitive and is open
to all Zambians of prescribed qualifications with Cadets competing on equal
basis. Besides, the recruitment of Soldier is done in a way that ensures tribal
balancing further lessening the chances for Cadets whose Parents originate from
different provinces.
(4) Lack
of adequate transport in the Provincial Commands to undertake all required
activities. Transport resources are scarce and so, the Army has to prioritise
the use. When it comes to national duties, Cadet Training activities take the
second place leading to cancellation of a number of scheduled raining
activities every year.
(5) Lack
of skilled Instructors to cover all secondary schools. Some schools have
operated without qualified instructor for long periods of time due to
inadequate instructors.
r. Logistics.
Provision of Logistics to ZCCF Provincial Commands is done through Zambia Army Regional
HQs. This was reported to reduce independence in the operations of ZCCF as the
Regional Commanders controlled the said resources and directed as to what
should be done. This was according to most respondents who filled in the
questionnaires. Nevertheless, it also came up that for the operations of ZCCF
to succeed, coordination of resources was required at higher level both at
provincial and national level and that the Regional Commander was the right voice
at the Province being a member of the Provincial Chiefs were activities are
discussed and coordinated.
26. Nationalism and Patriotism. The
major similarity of Youth and National Service Training all over the world is
the need to ensure youths grow up embracing nationalism and be patriotic to
one’s country. Nationalism means to give more importance to unity by way of
cultural background, including language and heritage. Patriotism pertains to
the love for a nation, with more emphasis on values and beliefs (George Orwell, Nationalism - 1945). Parents are encouraged to
teach their children to respect the National Anthem. They have to be told to
stand up as a token of respect for the Anthem. Such discipline helps to shape
them into responsible citizens.
27. The
ZCCF Model of youth training is practiced in a number of countries across all
continents. In Africa, the African Youth Union was formed to ensure the youth
remain patriotic to the values of the continent. This come as a result of neglecting the role of youths in
the political and social-economic sectors, the decaying patriotism and
nationalism among Africans, foreign aggression, violating of human rights and
extreme exploitation, threatening and oppressing of young people, poor systems
of governance and dictatorship among some African leaders. The Secretariate is
based in South Africa and comprise youth organisations from Ghana, Uganda,
Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Nigeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, South Africa,
Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Botswana,
Zambia, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Somalia and Togo. The main objective is to help
fight and eradicate nepotism, corruption, human rights abuse, dictatorship,
lack of rule of law, vote rigging, homophobia, bigots, unemployment, income
inequality, mysterious deaths, conflicts and instability with a view to
fostering Patriotism and Nationalism.
28. In
the SADC Region, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Tanzania have similar programmes. The
aims of the programmes are very similar, apart from the Subject of Patriotism
which is included in these countries.
29. In Mozambique, training is conducted by
defence force military schools, and plans are underway to have ISEDEF which is
the highest learning military institution, introduce the programme. The main
emphasis for the newly developed programme, which will target school leavers,
will be ensuring that the youth become more patriotic to the Nation in their
youth as well as in adulthood, but also to ensure their willingness for service
when called to national duty during hostilities. Patriotism is not only one of
the Subjects to be covered, but the major subject. Additionally, well trained
officers in Patriotism make a tour of Units each year to conduct training in
Patriotism to ensure servicemen remain committed to serving the Nation.
30. In
Zimbabwe, the
National Youth Service (NYS) is provided for by the Zimbabwe National Service
Act of 1979 which set benchmarks on who could be incorporated into the Zimbabwe
National Youth Service and the Military. The National Youth Service Act of 1999
further legalized the creation of the national youth service as an important
component in youth development. The National Youth Policy of 2000 went on to
underline the importance of the NYS as a developmental platform for youths. The
Government of Zimbabwe Started implementing the NYS programme in 2001. On paper,
the programme was meant to be a gateway to national economic and social
development for young people. It was meant to inculcate the values of national
identity, patriotism, unity and oneness, discipline and self-reliance among
young people in Zimbabwe.
31. In the Philippines, the 1987 Philippine
Constitution in Article II (Declaration of
Principles and State Policies), Section 13, the State recognizes
the vital role of the youth in nation-building and undertake to promote and
protect the physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being. It aims
at inculcating in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their
involvement in public and civic affairs. Section 17 states that ‘the State shall give priority to
education, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate
social progress, and promote total human liberation and development’. The model
is similar to the initial objectives of ZCCF. The emphasis on Patriotism and
nationalism is meant to ensure all citizens understand and take pride in their
history, culture and traditions, as well as be ready to ddefend National
Interests when duty calls.
ANALYSIS
OF FINDINGS
32. The original provision of compulsory
Cadet Training for Secondary School students above fourteen years of age no
longer applies. Joining of Cadet Force is now voluntary. Over 50% of secondary
school students interview thought ZCCF was a club, and that the objective is to
march during youth day, Independence Day as well as during Commercial shows.
This development could be a result of lack of enough qualified instructors who
are able to explain the roles and functions of ZCCF in Secondary Schools. Furthermore,
it could be lack of deliberate public relations programmes to keep the general
public informed of the major roles and functions of ZCCF whilst raising
interest for Cadets Training among the youth.
33. Though ZCCF has retained control of the
Cadet Force, lack of sufficient funds has resulted into having certain
programmes out of Lusaka not fulfilled, such as visits to secondary schools.
The result is reduced activity and knowledge of ZCCF roles and functions
especially outside Lusaka.
34. Though one of the roles of Cadet training
is to foster interest in military service among the youth, lack of employment
has made even those without interest apply to join the Army for a living. This
has lessened opportunities for good cadets being assured of joining the Army on
completion of secondary school.
35. Reduced training activities such as conducting
annual camps could be one of the reasons for lack of knowledge of cadet roles
by the general population. The is because the older generations had a larger
percentage of those who understood the roles of ZCCF even though they never
joined Cadet Force when they were in secondary school.
36. Though the ZCCF Act limits candidates to
boys, there are a lot of girls who are currently part of the Zambia Combined Cadet
Force. The introduction of Girls in the Cadet Force followed the introduction
of women in the Zambia Army. This is not well documented, and so, the Act only
refers to boys and this has been interpreted as meaning boys and girls.
Revision of the Act is required to recognize girls in clear terms.
37. The concept of Youth Military skills
training is done in a number of countries around the world including the SADC
Region for objectives very similar to the Zambian model. However, in most of
these countries, Patriotism is the main Subject which is not the case for
Zambia. Patriotism covers National History, Culture, Military History,
Liberation Struggles and Nationalism among other subjects. These subjects
encourage citizens to stand up for their nations in time of hostilities and
other national calamities are they identify themselves as one people fighting
for a good cause worth dying for. The Subject is good and must be given
consideration for Cadets Training in Zambia to ensure national identity and
Patriotism.
38. The results of this research indicate
that there is need to revisit the roles and functions of ZCCF to suit the
obtaining situation. The Cadets training should be a model for national
service, patriotism and nationalist which should all be reflected in the ZCCF
training programmes.
CONCLUSION
39. The operations of the Zambia Combined
Cadet Force (ZCCF) can be traced back to pre-independence times. This was in
1948 after the introduction of Secondary Schools in Northern Rhodesia. The
Federal Act required all Boys of fourteen years (minimum age) to join Cadet
Force with exceptions on medical advice or acceptable reasons. The object of
the Cadet Corps was to provide moral, mental and physical training for boys to
develop character, leadership, initiative and confidence.
40. ZCCF was established in 1964, by
Government Notice No 46 of 1964, which repealed the Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland
Cadets Corps Act of 1955, with the additional role of preparing Cadets for
military service.
41. Cadet Forces are established in
Government High Schools throughout the country. Their main role is to promote
military interest in students from which Potential Officers and Soldiers would
be drawn. ZCCF/RF/HG Directorate based at Army HQ organises their training.
Cadets are not eligible for call up during mobilization. All Provincial Centres
have commands comprising several contingents under them. The minimum age for
joining Cadet Force at the time of this study was Fourteen Years Six Months.
42. In other countries, including the SADC
Region, Youth Training is centrered on Patriotism and Nationalism to inculcate
commitment to serving the nation as a priority for every citizen.
43. There has been reduced funding for ZCCF
activities, especially annual camps, one of the most important components of
Cadets training. This is in addition to inadequate transport to directly under
the control of ZCCF/RF/HG. These need to be looked into.
44. The aspects of Patriotism and Nationalism
were not directly included in the Cadets Training course. It would be prudent
to have them as part of the core objectives in order to promote national
service, other than selfish interests among those that pass through cadets
training.
RECOMMENDATIONS
45. a. Cadet
training should be encouraged, and the original objectives maintained.
b. There is urgent need to increase
support for ZCCF in terms of funds for operations, and meeting all scheduled
activities including annual camps.
c. Cadets that excelled during their
service should be given priority during recruitment so that individuals with
interest in the Military are recruited as opposed to the current system which
may bring in more of those just looking for employment rather than serving the
Nation.
d. Patriotism and Nationalism should be
introduced as subjects in the ZCCF Cadets Training programme.
e. Youth training in Patriotism and
Nationalism should be introduced for school leavers, and consideration given to
those doing skills training conducted by the Zambia National Service.
f. The ZCCF Act needs to be revised to
reflect the current political and military landscape in the country.
REFERENCES
Cadet Training Vol III
Combined Cadet Force
Act, Chapter 112 of the laws of Zambia (formerly Cap 132)
Defence Act, Chapter
106 of the laws of Zambia (formerly Cap 131)
Federal Cadet Corps Act
of April 1956
Government Ordinance No
46 of 1964
Hobson and Imperialism: Radicalism, New Liberalism,
and Finance 1887-1938
P. J. Cain. Oxford University Press, 2002
P. J. Cain. Oxford University Press, 2002
Home
Guard Act, Chapter 135 of the roles of Zambia
Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland
Cadet Corps Act 1955
Philippine Constitution
of 1987, Article II Section 13 and Section 17
Training for War Précis
Zambia National Service
Act, Chapter 136 of the laws of Zambia
