By ANDREW PHIRI –

THE Zambia Air Force (ZAF) has urged its personnel to remain patriotic to Zambia as the country celebrates its golden jubilee this year.
ZAF acting air officer commanding Jabes Zulu said despite some challenges the air force was faced with, the officers should remain patriotic to the country and to the Government of the day.
Speaking during the air force day commemoration in Livingstone over the weekend, Colonel Zulu said ZAF officers should remain non-partisan and always support the Government.
“The Government and ZAF are doing everything possible to look after the welfare of personnel and, therefore, personnel are encouraged to be patriotic and exhibit high levels of discipline on their part.
“We are all to remain non-partisan but support the Government of the day,” Col Zulu said.
He said ZAF had remained steadfast and that significant strides in organisation, infrastructure development and acquisition of equipment and personnel development had been achieved.
He also pledged to the air force command that the officers in Livingstone would work extra hard to attain the required levels of fitness for all personnel by taking part in sporting activities.
“To stay healthy, personnel are urged to undergo regular health checkups at any medical facility of their choice in ailments such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes and for our women cervical cancer screening,” Col Zulu said.
Col Zulu also said that sports promoted personal health and enhanced social interaction for a well-balanced military establishment.