adminThe Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces also elevated Air Commodore Michael Moyo to the rank of Air Vice-Marshal.
The promotions are with effect from 12 December this year.
The former 3 Infantry Brigade Commander in Mutare, Major-General Nyikayaramba has since been posted to Zimbabwe Defence Forces Headquarters as Chief of Staff Quartermaster.
Air Vice-Marshal Moyo is now commandant of National Defence College.
Prior to his elevation AVM Moyo was Zimbabwe’s defence advisor in France.
Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander, General Constantine Chiwenga conferred the two with their new ranks at ZDF Headquarters in Harare yesterday.
Congratulating the two, Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa said they were promoted on merit.
“The promotion does not come simply. You deserve to be where you are because of hard work. There are many people in the ZDF with the same experience, qualification and disposition but we take into consideration many aspects,” said Minister Mnangagwa.
“This is because of the hard work you have exhibited while on your previous ranks. You have now reached the apex of your careers and this is now the time to work harder.”
Minister Mnangagwa said the two should assist the ZDF leadership in resolving the problems facing the institution.
“We have many challenges and by bringing you here we want you to be part of the solution. You shall not be found wanting because we have agreed that you have the capability and motivation to take ZDF a step forward,” he said.
The 11 years of sanctions, Minister Mnangagwa said, had crippled all sectors in the country.
“We have to share ideas and strategies on how to defeat the sanctions. Your selection is a collective move which we think will help bust the embargo,” he said.
Maj-Gen Nyikayaramba expressed gratitude to President Mugabe for showing confidence in him.
He said he will be equal to the task.
“This is a sign of trust and confidence in me and I hope I will not fail,” said Maj-Gen Nyikayaramba.
“We understand the challenges facing us but with collective efforts we will find a winning formula. My elevation would not have been a success without the contribution of men and women I worked with at various stations.”
Maj-Gen Nyikayaramba attended several military courses outside the country and has led various brigades countrywide.
AVM Moyo, is a holder of a PhD in International Relations and Diplomacy, certificate in defence management, BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting, CIS and ACCA.
He has held several senior positions in the Air Force.
Air Force Commander Air Marshal Perrence Shiri and ZNA commander Lieutenant-General Philip Sibanda attended the ceremony.
Online Reporter