Online Reporter
Columbus Mabika
Herald Correspondent
THE Second Republic will continue honouring gallant sons of the soil for their distinguished service or gallant conduct in the liberation struggle and after, and the development of the nation.
This follows the promotion by Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Mnangagwa, of Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Brigadier General Francis Chakauya to the rank of Major General on retirement after serving 45 years in the force.
The promotion is with effect from Tuesday.
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 subsection 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”.
President Mnangagwa, acting on the advice of the Minister of Defence, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, consented to and approved the promotions.
The promotion was also made in line with Statutory Instrument 257 of 2020, which stipulates that officers be promoted to the next higher rank six months before their retirement.
As per military tradition, Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) physically confers ranks on the shoulders of the newly promoted officer.
Conferring the rank, General Matatu spoke at length about Major General Chakauya’s long-standing role during the liberation struggle, in various military units, formations and appointments.
“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 Matatu praised Major General Chakauya’s distinguished career, saying he should remain connected to the institution even in retirement as the ZDF will always be his home.
“As you retire, and you go into your retirement, please do not isolate yourself from the organisation. This is your home; you spent the majority of your life serving the nation, both before and after our independence,” he said.
General Matatu called on Maj Gen Chakauya to remain exemplary in his retirement, adding that the ZDF would not hesitate to call on him if his services were required.
In his vote of thanks, Major-General Chakauya said he was grateful for the promotion.
“This day will forever be etched in my memory because it marks the pinnacle of achievements in my service in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to achieve this most high rank.
“Many dreamt to achieve it, but fell short along the way. At the same time, I am cognisant that this honour bestowed on me comes with higher expectations as I take retirement,” he said.
Major General Chakauya is among the officers from the ZDF who attended courses at the elite British Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he studied military technologies.
