MINISTRY OF DEFENCE TO RECRUIT SECOND COHORT OF VOLUNTARY NATIONAL SERVICE
The Ministry of Defence says it expects to recruit the second cohort of the Voluntary National Service Training Programme before the end of this year.
Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu says the Ministry has completed all necessary preparations and documentation for the second cohort, which is expected to undergo six months of training under the Zambia National Service, ZNS.
Mr. Haamaundu said the only outstanding matter is policy direction from the Cabinet Minister to be appointed by President Hakainde Hichilema.
He was speaking in Lusaka’s Vorna Valley area when he visited a plumbing shop established by 27-year-old Mangani Mbewe, a graduate of the ZNS Chiwoko Skills Training Centre in Katete District.
Mr. Haamaundu said the skills acquired by Mr. Mbewe have enabled him to become an employer, with four permanent workers under his supervision.
He said Government is determined to continue rolling out the Voluntary National Service Training Programme to empower more youths across the country with skills for self-employment.
And Mr. Mbewe said he has been operating his plumbing business for three months and has already secured several contracts.
He said before undergoing training at the ZNS Chiwoko Skills Training Centre, he had no knowledge of plumbing, but now has the capacity to undertake major contracts.
Mr. Mbewe has appealed to local authorities to consider awarding him Constituency Development Fund, CDF, contracts to enable his company to expand and employ more young people.
In May this year, the first cohort of 1,129 youths graduated from the six-month Voluntary National Service Training Programme conducted at ZNS Skills Training Centres in Katete, Kitwe and Kasama.
The first cohort commenced training in September 2025 and received Basic Military Training, National Principles and Values, as well as skills training in areas including tailoring and design, mechanics, electrical and agriculture.
The programme was funded at a cost of 17-point-one million kwacha through Constituency Development Funds.
President Hichilema directed the Ministry of Defence in December 2024 to revive the National Service Training Programme on a voluntary basis.
