A 28-year-old former school cadet has landed a civilian staff appointment within the Zambia Army after his proactive and constructive engagement on the defense force’s official Facebook page.
Emmanuel Kadangu Phiri, a former pupil of Chunga Secondary School in Lusaka, impressed the Army commander with an open letter addressing the challenges faced by school cadets nationwide.
The Zambia Army reported that Phiri, a keen follower of their online page, responded to a Facebook post dated April 8, 2025, which detailed Commander, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele’s visits to retired 2 and 3 Infantry Brigade Commanders and MILTEZ Commandants.
Instead of a typical comment, Phiri utilised the platform to air out his concerns of school cadets and proposed potential solutions.
In his open letter to Lt Gen Zyeele, Phiri, who previously held the rank of Cadet Lieutenant, highlighted critical issues including the low rate of absorption of school cadets into the regular force, their struggle to find employment despite possessing valuable skills such as weapon handling and drills, and the perceived lack of adequate guidance, resources, and empowerment programmes.
He also pointed out deficiencies in infrastructure and equipment affecting the training of cadets under the Zambia Combined Cadet Force (ZCCF).
Lt Gen Zyeele took note of Phiri’s well-reasoned message, responding publicly on the platform: “Good evening Emmanuel. Your suggestions have been noted. Further, you are invited to my office possibly on Wednesday 16 April, 2025 at 10:00hrs at Army Headquarters.”
Phiri visited Army Headquarters, where he was subsequently offered a position as Civilian Staff within the Zambia Army.
Lt Gen Zyeele commended Phiri for his patriotism and assured him that the Command would consider the points he raised online.
According to the Zambia Army, Phiri, who was a school cadet at Chunga Secondary School from 2012 to 2015, expressed his gratitude to Lt Gen Zyeele for the unexpected opportunity and pledged to dedicate himself to his new role and indicated his interest in pursuing military training should the chance arise.
Prior to this appointment, Phiri worked as a mobile money agent and had also pursued a diploma in Laboratory Technology at Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce, but had to cut his studies due to financial constraints.
Picture by the Zambia Army Media
Kalemba April 16, 2025