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Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
AIR Commodore Ellen Chiweshe was yesterday appointed the first-ever female commander for Jason Ziyapapa Moyo Air Force Base near Chegutu.
The historic take over of the reins by Air Commodore Chiweshe signifies President Mnangagwa’s commitment to empowering women and placing them in influential positions.
She became the second commander of an Air Force of Zimbabwe air base since Independence after the then Group Captain Mildred Dengura was appointed to head Manyame Air Force Base from 2015 to 2016, and was later promoted to Air Commodore upon retirement.
Air Commodore Chiweshe takes over from Air Commodore Nicholas Nyathi, who was the 12th Commander of the base.
Chief witnessing officer, Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe Air Marshal John Jacob Nzvede, who officiated at the handover-takeover ceremony at the base located a few kilometres south of Chegutu town, said the move was aimed at propelling women officers to influential positions and dovetails with Government’s policies of incorporating and recognising women.
“This momentous occasion, that we celebrate today, is not by any means accidental. Instead, it is a result of the Air Force of Zimbabwe’s support for gender-mainstreaming consistency with Government of Zimbabwe policies.
“The process began with implementing equal opportunities policies at recruitment and in the workplaces. The results have been evident in Air Force of Zimbabwe promotion and appointments as we have witnessed today where women such as Air Commodore Chiweshe have risen to decision-making positions,” he said.
The Air Marshal rallied the entire community at Jason Ziyapapa Moyo Air Force Base to help the incoming base commander.
“Military tasks by their very nature can only be effectively achieved through teamwork. There is a commander at every control level in the military and attainment of the tasks assigned to the base requires that we all play our part to support the base commander.”
Air Marshal Nzvede also took time to warn officers against alcohol abuse and irresponsible gambling, two vices that have the potential to compromise security and discipline.
Outgoing Commander Air Commodore Nyathi thanked the air base community for the harmony and experience acquired during his two-year tenure, applauding his wife for standing by him.
Air Commodore Chiweshe applauded Air Marshal Nzvede for the recognition, adding that the decision raises hope for fellow female officers.
“I will work to the best of my abilities to ensure that the recognition is not put to waste. In taking over the base, I am aware of the calls for teamwork to attain all military tasks,” she said.
Her appointment has inspired fellow officers who applauded the Air Force leadership for the elevating a woman to the influential and powerful position.
Warrant Class 1 Officer Memory Chivhinge, the base’s veterinary officer, said Air Commodore Chiweshe’s appointment was an inspiration to women.
Warrant Class 1 Officer Esma Madzima was also equally overjoyed by the appointment.
“We feel honoured by the appointment of Air Commodore Chiweshe as the Commander of this base. This shows that ladies are capable of taking influential positions due to merit rather than gender stereotyping. As women, we are honoured and feel respected,” she said.
Online Reporter