Online Reporter
Columbus Mabika
Herald Reporter
THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Mnangagwa, yesterday promoted two Zimbabwe National Army Brigadier Generals to the rank of Major General in accordance with the Defence Act on the advice of the Defence Minister and acting on the recommendations of the Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
The two promoted officers are Major-General Cephas Gurira and Major-General Funnie Mutizhe.
Major General Gurira is formerly Commander One Infantry Brigade and will now be ZNA Chief of Staff Administration Staff, while Major General Mutizhe, who was Senior Personal Staff Officer to the Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), is awaiting a new assignment.
Conferring the new badges of rank on the promoted officers, Commander Defence Forces General Emmanuel Matatu said the promotions were a testimony of hard work and loyalty to national duty.
“Your promotion comes after a board sat; a quick scan around to find possible candidates for fill vacancies that had come up on the establishment and your names came up and after thorough scrutiny of your ability and character, you met the requirements and recommendations were made, all the way up to His Excellency the President, who then consented to your promotion,” he said.
“It’s a very good message to you. It signifies your good standing in our profession. Promotions do come up with improved status, costs and some privileges. Unfortunately, most of us tend to look at privileges that come with promotions, but we forget the real reason for promotion, which is basically to represent responsibility that increases.”
Gen Matatu called on the two Major-Generals to rise to the challenge and be exemplary.
“You will find you have less time to do your own things and more demands on you and on your time. And I would say you just have to rise up to the challenge and perform.
“I have no doubt that both of you are up to the task, and I believe you have what it takes to meet the challenges ahead.
“And I do not expect, and neither would I accept, any letdown from you. You have been in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for long and you know our current state; you know our mandate and expectations of the people of Zimbabwe,” said Gen Matatu.
Technological advancement and artificial intelligence have become the order of the day for military establishments worldwide, hence the need to take the aspects seriously.
“We have to step up and meet the challenges, build and maintain the appropriate capabilities to meet the requirements of our mandate.
“We have to keep abreast with technological advances. There are many of these advances in all aspects of our profession,” he said.
Giving a vote of thanks, Major General Gurira said they will continue to be loyal to the Constitution and command establishment.
He thanked President Mnangagwa for the confidence he showed by elevating them to higher ranks.
“We undertake to be always loyal to the Constitution and command establishment of the ZDF and at the same time, we always undertake to serve the people of Zimbabwe.
“May I also take this rare opportunity, Commander Sir, to heartily thank you together with your command element for tirelessly mentoring us throughout our military career spanning over 44 years,” he said.
Major-General Gurira said they are up to the task.
“As we express our remarkable happiness on such an occasion, we are cognisant of the foregoing policy and organisational procedures which have made this special ceremony a reality today.
“Cognisant of the continual trust and greater responsibility bestowed upon us, we resolve and undertake to add value to the ZDF by way of contributing to the attainment of its mandate and vision,” he said.
