{{The three-day meeting of the Sadc Inter-State Defence and Security Committee Human Resources Working Group ended in Harare yesterday with delegates resolving to strengthen the security of the region.}}
Addressing delegates at the closing ceremony, Zimbabwe Defence Forces Chief of Staff Service Personnel and Logistics, Air Vice Marshal Titus Abu-Basutu, commended the ISDSC for calling for increased co-operation among member states.
“On the same note your recommendation on bilateral visits for benchmarking to harmonise human resources practices is a noble idea. This matter is important and therefore should not take time to be implemented,” he said.
AVM Abu-Basutu said while the meeting had resolved to downsize their respective defence forces, it was necessary that adequate exit packages be given to the retirees.
“In discussing exit strategies of downsizing our defence forces, you explored ways of harmonisation in order to achieve a common approach to this important matter.
“You considered all the negative effects of unsynchronised separation. Your decision on this matter to provide incentives through the review upwards of pension benefits and rehabilitation courses of three years before retirement, among others is a noble recommendation.
“Enhanced retirement packages will mould retirees into responsible citizens as well as prepare them for civilian life,” he said.
The ISDSC also discussed ways of establishing an effective reserve force and increasing females in their forces.
“You have also discussed at length, the recruitment and progression of service women. It is gratifying to note that from graphic presentation on this matter most defence forces have promulgated policies that address and promote gender equity.
I have no doubt that by 2015 the majority of our defence forces will have achieved the 30% threshold for women,” AVM Abu-Basutu said.
He also called on the Sadc forces to work towards the preservation of peace and tranquillity in the region to enhance economic development.
{Herald}
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