Africa-Press – Eswatini. For the first time since the army recruitment started on June 6, the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) Commander Mashikilisane Fakudze was in attendance at Kukhanyeni Constituency yesterday.
The commander arrived early as the exercise started at 8am as scheduled. Fakudze braced the chilly weather and remained at the inkhundla for the duration of the exercise where about 400 participants and spectators attended. When asked what was special about the Kukhanyeni leg of the recruitment, the commander said he was interested to witness the proceedings following reports that there would be disturbances and that people under this constituency would not attend.
It should be noted that last Friday, Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO) President Sakhile Nxumalo said members of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) and its youth league would disrupt the ongoing recruitment exercise, especially at the Kukhanyeni Constituency.
Nxumalo further claimed that the political party’s members were responsible for the mishap that happened at Mayiwane Inkhundla last Thursday, where participants, who were set to run the 3.2km race started off without the instructors’ go ahead by means of blowing a whistle.
The SWAYOCO president said members of the political party were present and they allegedly blew whistles, which confused the participants, who set out in a race only for their effort not to be recognised by the army’s instructors. The UEDF had to reschedule the exercise to a day later.
Contrary
The army commander said he was pleased with the positive turnout as people under the Kukhanyeni Constituency came in their numbers, contrary to what some had said would be the case. “Umuntfu angaze abhace abalekiswe yi social media,” he said.
Further, Fakudze stated that the recruitment process was fair and transparent as witnessed by those in attendance. The commander applauded His Majesty King Mswati III for allowing that soldiers be recruited from all chiefdoms and constituencies, which he said would be fairly represented in the army.
On another note, the commander said army jobs were not for sale, and he advised desperate members of the public to desist from paying individuals, who promise to help them get hired in the army. “Candidates who will be recruited are those who will pass the physical tests in all constituencies.
You must report those who demand cash for jobs in the army,” Fakudze said. To those who could not be selected, the commander encouraged that they continue exercising and preparing themselves for other army employment opportunities that may be availed in the future.
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