14/03/2026
๐พ๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฌ๐ป๐จ๐ต๐ฐ ๐น๐ฌ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐ฌ๐บ ๐จ๐ญ๐ป๐ฌ๐น 32 ๐๐ฌ๐จ๐น๐บ ๐ถ๐ญ ๐ซ๐ฌ๐ซ๐ฐ๐ช๐จ๐ป๐ฌ๐ซ ๐บ๐ฌ๐น๐ฝ๐ฐ๐ช๐ฌ โ ๐น๐ฌ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐ฌ๐ซ ๐๐ผ๐ป ๐ต๐ถ๐ป ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐ฌ๐ซ
Maina Soko Medical Centre bade farewell to Warrant Officer Class One (WOI) Charles NKETANI, who retired from the Zambia Army on 1หขแต March 2026 after rendering 32 years of loyal and dedicated service to the nation.
WOI NKETANI joined the Zambia Army on 10แตสฐ December 1994, beginning a remarkable military journey defined by patriotism, resilience and unwavering commitment to duty. Over the course of his distinguished career, he served the country both locally and during international operations, demonstrating professionalism and devotion to the defence of Mother Zambia.
Speaking during a farewell cocktail held in his honour, the Commandant Maina Soko Medical Centre, Brig Gen (Dr) Levy MUCHEMWA described the occasion as a special moment to celebrate Mister NKETANI whose long and faithful service had contributed meaningfully to the Zambia Defence Force and the nation at large.
Brig Gen (Dr) MUCHEMWA noted that retirement in the military is itself a blessing, as many combatants who dedicate their lives to defending the nation do not always live to see the day they lay down their tools of service.
He commended WOI NKETANI for his diligence, hard work and steadfast dedication throughout his career, describing his journey as an inspiration to others who continue to serve the nation with honour.
The Commandant further urged personnel at the facility to remain united and committed to their collective responsibility of providing quality healthcare services while safeguarding the equipment and resources entrusted to the hospital.
Meanwhile, the Hospital Sergeant Major (HSM), WOI Lloyd SIKATULU also paid tribute to the retiring officer, describing him as a wise and compassionate leader whose humility, kindness and dedication to duty earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues.
The HSM noted that WOI NKETANIโs departure would leave a void within the hospital community, but his legacy of commitment and professionalism would continue to inspire those who remain in service.
Until his retirement, WOI NKETANI served as the In-Charge of the Light Aid Detachment (Base Workshop), a critical department responsible for servicing and maintaining motor vehicles at the facility.
Having been posted to Maina Soko Medical Centre in 2019, he played a key role in ensuring that the hospitalโs fleet remained operational to support the institutionโs demanding medical and logistical functions.
Through his experience and technical expertise, the seasoned subject matter expert ensured that the wheels of service continued turning, enabling the hospital to effectively respond to the needs of both patients and staff.
In his remarks, WOI NKETANI expressed gratitude to God and his family for the strength and support that carried him throughout his years in uniform.
He thanked Command for the guidance and opportunities accorded to him during his career and encouraged his comrades and colleagues to continue taking good care of the hospital and the responsibilities entrusted to them.
His retirement marks the end of an era of dedicated service, but it also reflects the deeper calling of the soldiering profession. Soldiering remains one of the most demanding professions in the world because it calls for extraordinary self-sacrifice.
For many who serve, the role of a combatant does not stand alone; it is often combined with specialized professions and technical responsibilities that support the broader mission of the Defence Force.
Balancing these roles is never easy. Soldiers must endure difficult and often unfavourable conditions, constantly placing the mission above personal comfort. They learn to die to self daily in order to achieve the objectives entrusted to them, all while carrying the enduring responsibility of protecting the sovereignty and security of Mother Zambia.
Yet even within these demanding circumstances, soldiers continue to apply their professional skills in service to the nation. It is this ability to remain true to duty, to serve faithfully beyond the call, and to uphold the mission despite personal sacrifice that defines true discipline.
And it is precisely this discipline โ this unwavering commitment to country above self โ that transforms ordinary men and women in uniform into heroes.
As WOI Charles NKETANI closes this chapter of active service, he leaves behind a powerful legacy of patriotism, professionalism and dedication โ a life lived in faithful service to God and to Mother Zambia.
