4 Infantry Brigade gets new commander

Brig-Gen Bandama has taken over from Major-General Douglas Nyikayaramba, who was recently promoted to the rank of Major-General and will be based at Army Headquarters in Harare.
Brig-Gen Diye is the 15th commander to lead the 4 Infantry Brigade, which was once headed by Lieutenant-General Phillip Valerio Sibanda, who is now Zimbabwe National Army commander .
In his acceptance speech at a colourful handover-take-over ceremony at 4 Infantry Brigade headquarters in Masvingo last week, Brig-Gen Diye hailed his predecessor for thriving even in the hardships brought about by illegal sanctions and promised to continue dealing with the challenges through new initiatives.
“I was briefed that the brigade has not been spared by operational, administrative and logistical challenges. This has been as a result of the obtaining political and economic challenges facing the country owing to the economic siege by the West. As shall be expected, we shall continue thinking outside the box, use a lot of our initiative and flexibility to see through these challenges,” said Brig-Gen Diye. “In 2002, Britain, United States and her allies imposed illegal economic and travel embargoes on Zimbabwe as part of a regime change agenda.”
He said he appreciated the hospitality he received from the province’s political and business leadership. “I would want to express my profound gratitude over the hospitality I have received from the Governor and Resident Minister of Masvingo, the business community and traditional leaders,” he said.
“This has given me the feeling that this province is a great place with people who are eager to work with the army, as I have been briefed by the outgoing commander, who has also shown a high degree of diligence in his two-year stint.”
In his farewell speech, Brig-Gen Bandama said the sanctions presented soldiers with opportunities to train hard and face challenges. “As soldiers, we are expected to find opportunities in these hardships and train hard to be able to face challenges that may come our way. This demands that we remain resolute and persevering in our undertakings as these measures are intended to test our resilience,” he said.
The handover take-over ceremony was attended by Lt-Gen  Sibanda, traditional leaders, heads of Government departments, officers from Airforce of Zimbabwe and the police.