Zambia National Service

The Zambia National Service, abbreviated ZNS,[2] is part of the Zambian Defence Force, has been a cornerstone of national development since its establishment in 1971 through an Act of Parliament.[3][4] Committed to the twin objectives of training civilian and safeguarding the territorial integrity of Zambia,[5][6][7] the ZNS Act empowers them to prepare individuals to dutifully serve and protect our nation.[8] However, it's not only about defense; ZNS also plays a vital role in imparting agricultural[2] and craft skills to Zambians, promoting self-sufficiency and national prosperity.[4] Originating in 1963 as the Land Army, ZNS has evolved into a dynamic force for national progress, underlining its multifaceted contribution to Zambia.[9] Additionally, ZNS is also a major sponsor of Green Eagles football club,[10][11] further exemplifying its commitment to the nation's well-being.

Zambia National Service
Emblem of Zambia National Service
Founded1963 (1963)
20 December 1971 (1971-12-20)
Country Zambia
TypeLand force
RoleGround warfare
Part ofZambian Defence Force
HeadquartersLusaka
Nickname(s)
  • Land Army
  • Green Army
Motto(s)"Sudor Et Sanguinis Pro Patria" (Latin)
"Sweat And Blood For The Country"
WebsiteOfficial Website
Commanders
Current
commander		Lt Gen Maliti Solochi[1]

History

The history of the Zambia National Service (ZNS) evolves from a politically charged origin to a pivotal institution in Zambia's post-independence development and security. Established in 1963 by the United National Independence Party (UNIP)[8] as the Land Army,[12] it was intended as a military option in case independence negotiations failed. After Zambia peacefully gained independence on October 24, 1964, the Land Army was demobilized. However, on December 20, 1971,[13] an Act of Parliament gave birth to a more militant ZNS.[14][15] This transition included the addition of military training due to Zambia's involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle. By 1974, military training became compulsory for form five school leavers, university graduates, and government officials,[12] but in 1980, the requirement for form five school leavers was discontinued.[16]

Origins as the Land Army

The ZNS traces its roots back to the Land Army, initially established as a potential militant wing of UNIP during Zambia's quest for independence.[17] The Land Army served as a contingency force for a guerrilla military option, but Zambia peacefully achieved independence on October 24, 1964, making the armed struggle unnecessary.[9]

Challenges of Post-Independence and Zambia Youth Service

The peaceful attainment of independence brought a new challenge – a sizable cohort of young, uneducated, and unemployed individuals from the Land Army. To address this, in 1965, the government initiated a skills training program to empower these youths with practical trades, enabling their reintegration into society. The Land Army transformed into the Zambia Youth Service, marking a shift toward productivity and inclusivity. This program, operating from 1965 to December 1971, represented a significant period of reform.[9]

External Threats and the Birth of Zambia National Service

Zambia's involvement in supporting liberation struggles in neighboring Southern African countries led to external threats. Hostile forces from Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and South Africa launched military raids and bombings on Zambian territory. To enhance defense capabilities, the government dissolved the Zambia Youth Service and officially established the Zambia National Service (ZNS) through an Act of Parliament on December 20, 1971.[9] This date is now commemorated annually as Zambia National Service Day, symbolizing the transition from a youth-focused, skills-building program to a well-organized military force entrusted with safeguarding the nation's security.[17] The history of the Zambia National Service reflects the nation's journey from its early aspirations for independence through the challenges of post-independence nation-building to its commitment to national security and development.[17]

Commandants and Commander

Since its inception, the Zambia National Service (ZNS) has primarily focused on the training of school leavers (Citizens) in a wide range of market-based, life-sustaining skills, primarily related to production. Consequently, the nomenclature "Commandant" was traditionally employed to denote the head of the organization. The term "Commandant" is typically associated with defense departments or entities primarily engaged in one specific leadership component, such as training or health, among others.[18]

Recognizing the expanding diversity in its roles and deployments, the need arose to adopt a more encompassing and adaptable title. To this end, on December 29, 2021, the ZNS Council, which is entrusted by the President with the lawful administration of the Service's affairs, overwhelmingly approved the change in nomenclature. This significant decision marked the transition from "Commandant" to "Commander" as the official title of the head of the Zambia National Service.[13]

The change in nomenclature became effective on January 14, 2022, following the conveyance of authority by the Ministry of Defence. This transition to "Commander" reflects the Service's evolving and multifaceted roles, underscoring its commitment to addressing a broader spectrum of responsibilities and challenges.[17]

List of Commandants
No. Name Term of office Ref
Took office Left office Time in office
Commandants [19][20][21][22]
1. Brig Gen C. Nyirenda
ZNDF Commanders
2. Gen G K Chinkulu 28 December 1970 13 June 1976 5 years, 168 days
3. Lt Gen P D Zuze 24 April 1977 31 December 1978 1 year, 247 days
4. Lt Gen B J Mibenge 31 December 1978 9 October 1980 1 year, 283 days
Commandants
5. Maj Gen T. M. Fara October 1980 March 1988 9 years, 182 days
6. Maj Gen  D.S. Zulu March 1988 November 1991 10 years, 214 days
7. Lt Gen W.J. Funjika November 1991 June 2002 9 years, 212 days
8. Maj Gen M Mbao June 2002 September 2007 4 years, 273 days
9. Maj Gen R. Chisheta 1 Dec 2007 7 April 2010 9 years, 127 days
10. Maj Gen A S Yeta 2010 23 September 2011 9 years, 339 days
11. Lt Gen Nathan Mulenga 23 September 2011 30 August 2021 9 years, 339 days
Commanders
12. Lt Gen Maliti Solochi 30 August 2021 Incumbent 2 years, 57 days [13]

Key Functions and Pillars of ZNS

The Zambia National Service (ZNS) plays a crucial role in various military operations, working in conjunction with other branches of the defence forces. Its functions and objectives are guided by four key pillars, serving as the foundation for its ongoing transformation. During the inaugural address to the first session of the 13th National Assembly, the President of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema, emphasized several ideals that align with the four pillars that the ZNS diligently seeks to realize.[23][24][25] Service personnel are encouraged to actively contribute to the government's and command's vision, demonstrating initiative and creativity to overcome potential challenges and surpass common productivity hurdles.[26][27] These pillars are in harmony with the developmental agenda of the Zambia's current government, which positions the ZNS as a strategic force for development. The four pillars of the ZNS are:

  • Training of Citizens: This pillar focuses on providing training to both citizens and service personnel, aligning with the directives of the Government of the Republic of Zambia.[24]
  • Infrastructure Development: The ZNS is involved in infrastructure development projects, contributing to the nation's growth and progress.[24]
  • Enhancing National Food Security: ZNS plays a pivotal role in enhancing national food security, addressing one of the critical needs of the country.[24][28]
  • Economic Development: The ZNS is actively engaged in economic development efforts, supporting initiatives that contribute to the nation's economic well-being.[24]

Other Functions

In addition to its key pillars, ZNS is responsible for various other functions, which include:[7]

  1. Direction, Coordination, and Conduct of Military Operations: The ZNS is involved in planning, coordinating, and executing military operations in collaboration with other branches of the armed forces.
  2. Training of Citizens and Service Personnel: The ZNS provides training as determined by the Government of the Republic of Zambia and the Administration branch.
  3. Provision and Maintenance of Communication Systems: The ZNS ensures the availability and upkeep of communication systems within the service to facilitate effective communication.
  4. Liaison with Other Services and Security Wings: The ZNS maintains close cooperation and coordination with other services and security wings on matters related to defense and security.
  5. Employment in Tasks of National Importance: ZNS members are deployed in tasks of national significance, including disaster management and mitigation efforts.
  6. Defense of the Republic and Agricultural Production: The ZNS is tasked with defending the Republic and actively participating in agricultural production to support national self-sufficiency.

These functions collectively reflect the multifaceted role of the Zambia National Service in contributing to the security and development of the nation.

References
  1. "In a night announcement, President Hichilema drops Commanders of Zambia Army, Air Force, National Service and Inspector General of Police". lusakatimes.com. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  2. "Zambia : Zambia National Service prepares 720 hectares of land for irrigation farming". 2018-12-23. Retrieved 2023-09-25.
  3. "Zambia National Service Act" (PDF). The Laws of the Republic of Zambia. September 15, 2023.
  4. "Zambia National Service – A Force For National Development". Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  5. "Zambia National Service". mod.gov.zm. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
  6. "Evolution of ZNS: Mass movement to productive force – Zambia Daily Mail". www.daily-mail.co.zm. Retrieved 2021-10-27.
  7. "Zambia National Service Stream". Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  8. NDHLOVU, JOHN (October 23, 2019). "Transformation of ZNS". Zambia Daily Mail. Retrieved October 27, 2019.
  9. "Modern Day ZNS – Zambia National Service". Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  10. "Green Eagles should look beyond ZNS support – Zambia Daily Mail". www.daily-mail.co.zm. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
  11. "ZNS APOLOGIZES OVER GREEN EAGLES MOVE ~". 2019-01-14. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
  12. "Country report and updates". War Resisters' International. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
  13. "PressReader.com - Digital Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions". www.pressreader.com. Retrieved 2023-09-28.
  14. TEMBO, BENEDICT. "Evolution of ZNS: Mass movement to productive force". daily-mail.co.zm. Retrieved December 21, 2018.
  15. "Zambia National Service Act | National Assembly of Zambia". www.parliament.gov.zm. Retrieved 2021-10-27.
  16. "Zambia : ZNS mandatory skills training to start with 2013 Grade 12 school leavers". Retrieved 2021-10-27.
  17. "Our History – Zambia National Service". Retrieved 2023-06-09.
  18. Zambia National Service Act, 1971. 1996-12-31.
  19. "Command History – Zambia National Service". Retrieved 2023-06-09.
  20. "FORMER ZNS COMMANDANT BIDS FAREWELL ~". 2021-09-16. Retrieved 2021-10-29.
  21. "Command History". zns.gov.zm. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  22. "HH appoints Anthony Bwalya as his spokesperson". Zambia: News Diggers!. 2021-08-30. Retrieved 2021-10-29.
  23. "PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA OPENS THE 1ST SESSION OF THE 13TH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY | National Assembly of Zambia". www.parliament.gov.zm. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  24. "Modern Day ZNS". zns.gov.zm. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  25. zamobserver (2022-02-22). "ZNS ONLY INSTITUTION ALLOWED TO CULTIVATE CANNABIS -LIEUTETANT GEN. SOLOCHI". The Zambian Observer. Retrieved 2023-09-25.
  26. zamobserver (2022-02-22). "ZNS ONLY INSTITUTION ALLOWED TO CULTIVATE CANNABIS -LIEUTETANT GEN. SOLOCHI". The Zambian Observer. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  27. Correspondent, Diggers (2022-02-23). "We've secured 20,000 hectors for cannabis cultivation - ZNS". Zambia: News Diggers!. Retrieved 2023-09-25.
  28. "Zambia : ZNS begins screening process for the recently advertised jobs". 2023-01-09. Retrieved 2023-09-25.
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