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Columbus Mabika, Harare Bureau
Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Mnangagwa, yesterday promoted three Zimbabwe National Army Brigadier-Generals to the rank of Major-General and one Air Force of Zimbabwe Air Commodore to the rank of Air Vice Marshal.
The President made the promotions in terms of the Defence Act (Chapter 11:02) Section 20, as read with Statutory Instrument 257 of 2020, Section 19c, Sub-section 2c, which reads: “His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces may on the advice of the Minister of Defence, acting on the recommendations of the Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, reward any member for distinguished service or gallant conduct on active service by promoting an officer to a higher rank.”
The three senior officers are Josphat Kudumba, Augustine Chipwere, Simo Maseko and Air Commodore Selebale Masera.
The promotions are with effect from November 20.
Brig-Gen Chipwere was promoted in absentia as he is serving a mission outside the country.
Conferring new badges of rank on the promoted officers, Commander Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda said the promotions were a testimony of hard work and loyalty to national duty.
“The promotion we are witnessing today is a true testimony of selfless service you have shown to this country which dates back as far as the war of liberation struggle leading to these many years of service in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces,” he said.
Gen Sibanda reminded the four that the promotion came with more responsibility, calling on them to remain exemplary in their new job designations.
“The new ranks come with more and extra responsibility to the defence of our country, continue to do your best as you have previously done,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Major-General Maseko said they will continue to be loyal to the Constitution and command establishment.
He thanked President Mnangagwa for the confidence he showed by elevating them to higher ranks.
“We undertake to be always loyal to the Constitution and command establishment of the ZDF and at the same time, we always undertake to serve the people of Zimbabwe. May I also take this rare opportunity, Commander Sir, to heartily thank you together with your command element for tirelessly mentoring us throughout our military career spanning over 44 years inclusive of the liberation struggle.
“It is through your efforts that we have got to where we are today through your tireless and consistent guidance,” said Major-General Maseko.
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