dyton mupawaenda
Columbus Mabika-Herald Reporter
Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Mnangagwa, yesterday promoted five Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Colonels, including a female, to the rank of Brigadier-General with effect from October 14.
The President made the promotions in terms of the Defence Act, which empowers him to promote officers on the advice of the Minister of Defence acting on the recommendation of the Commander of the ZNA or Air Force.
The five new Brigadier Generals are Maxwell Masuku, Christopher Rangwana, Lloyd Mutsvangwa, Godfrey Mutsadyanga and Lydia Mambondiani.
Brig-Gen Christopher Rangwana
Brigadier-General Mambondiani broke barriers by becoming the youngest female officer and first cadet trained female to reach the rank in the history of the Zimbabwe National Army.
Conferring new insignia of rank on the promoted officers, Commander ZNA Lieutenant General Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe said the promotions were a true testimony of hard work and loyalty.
Brig-Gen Lloyd Mutsvangwa
“l take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, The President and Commander-In- Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa, for promoting you to the esteemed rank of Brigadier General. This promotion is indeed a true testimony of your unquestionable patriotism, loyalty, professionalism and selfless dedication to duty, which you have exhibited over the years.
“This exceptional recognition, honour and trust accorded to you should give you much more energy,” he said.
Brig-Gen Godfrey Mutsadyanga
Lt Gen Sanyatwe called on the new general officers to remain exemplary, proficient and effective in the discharge of duties as their elevation had come with increased responsibilities.
“Today marks a major milestone achievement in your illustrious careers as signified by this promotion to the general status which came through a thorough and exhaustive assessment. It is beyond doubt that your commitment and consistence in serving the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the nation at large has resulted in this special recognition,” he said.
Brig-Gen Lydia Mambondiani
Failure, Lt Gen Sanyatwe said, should never be an option.
“I want to urge you to remain guided by the cardinal rule of team work and unity of purpose since collective effort yields positive results and is a panacea for success.
“As you assume the newly found status, you are required to go an extra mile and think beyond the horizon as you execute the given assignments,” he said.
Turning to women empowerment, Lt Gen Sanyatwe said the ZDF was taking gender mainstreaming seriously.
Giving a vote of thanks on behalf of the promoted officers, Brigadier General Mambondiani said it was impressive to note that the ZDF was walking the talk in the upliftment of women.
“It should be our combined endeavour to sustain growth of women involvement and ensure that it is socially inclusive. We must ensure that every section of our society, particularly the disadvantaged, are equal partners in, and beneficiaries of the development process,” she said.
In an admission that her military career has been sudden and unexpected, Brigadier General Mambondiani said she knew what awaited her.
“I am fully aware of the great responsibilities placed on my humble shoulders. I will continue to do the best like I have done before,” she said.
Brigadier-General Mambondiani thanked the ZDF Command for the recognition and pledged to remain loyal to both the army and the country.
Online Reporter