Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
THE Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, has called on 15 newly-promoted colonels to treat their elevation as a demanding call to service, urging them to embrace innovation, discipline and responsibility.
Speaking during an investiture ceremony held at Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks, today, on behalf of Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi, Chief of Staff Quartermaster, Major General Simo Maseko, said the promotions signified both recognition of past performance and heightened expectations of excellence.
Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi said the new ranks were a direct acknowledgement of merit rather than luck.
“Your promotions come directly from His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
“You have worked for your promotion, you deserve this elevation. I do not believe in luck, so you deserve it. This is a milestone achievement,” he said.
Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi told the officers that their new rank came with increased responsibility and expectations.
“This elevation is not just a badge of honour, it is a call to duty, bringing added responsibilities. Show that you deserve these new badges by working harder”.
Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi said the colonels must move beyond routine work and focus on contributing improvements that strengthen the organisation.
“Introduce improvements and innovations in your workplaces. Don’t go for routine issues, go for improvements. Go for issues that bring the ZNA to a better pedestal,” he said.
Lt Gen Tapfumaneyi emphasised that effective military leadership requires cultivating strong teams and modelling the right behaviour.
“The military is not a one-person show, exhibit teamwork and become exemplary team leaders and valuable team players,” he said.
“Embrace the ‘do as I do’ concept; allow your subordinates to learn from your expertise and learn from them as well.”
Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi said promotions come with pressure not only from the institution but also from families who expect visible progress.
“Promotions come with organisational and personal responsibilities and expectations. Your families expect you to upgrade your living standards. Live up to their expectations,” he added.
Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi challenged the newly promoted officers to continue growing, emphasising innovation within the ZNA and helping maintain the peaceful environment needed for Zimbabwe’s economic goals.
“Strive for personal growth and do not be comfortable in your new rank, work harder,” he said.
“Foster a tranquil environment that brings peace and development in the country. Usher in the necessary peace so that the country can develop into an upper-middle economy by 2030.”
