adminJohn Manzongo Herald Reporter
THE Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces President Mugabe has promoted Lieutenant Colonel Phillip Kupe to the rank of Colonel. This is with effect from July 22 this year. He has also been appointed commandant of the Zimbabwe Military Academy, which is responsible for training officers. Conferring the rank to the new ZMA chief at Army headquarters yesterday, Zimbabwe National Army Chief of Staff Administration Major General Trust Mugoba said the promotion was a result of hard work and dedication.
“As stipulated in your commissioning scroll that you shall be entrusted with more responsibilities from time to time, assessments were done and it was realised that you are worth to be promoted,” said Maj Gen Mugoba.
“This promotion is a result of hard work, loyalty and unquestionable dedication to duty, the qualities you clearly showed.
“You are now Commandant of the Zimbabwe Military Academy, the prestigious institution of military excellence where you are mandated to transform civilians into officers.
“President Mugabe has great confidence in your abilities and we all expect you to stand up to expectations. The cadets from Zimbabwe, the region and the international defence forces who will from time to time be training at the institution will greatly benefit from your wise leadership and guidance.”
Maj Gen Mugoba said the fact that he was the only one promoted clearly showed the confidence that the Commander-in-Chief and the whole Defence Forces has on him.
In his acceptance speech, Col Kupe said promotions always bring excitement as it was a sign that one is valuable and recognised in his or her efforts. He said he was delighted and privileged to have been promoted and appointed to lead the highest military institution in the country.
“I am fully aware that this promotion comes with great responsibilities which I am fully prepared for. It has been a long journey since I joined the army upon the attainment of Independence in 1980 and the journey is continuing,” he said.
Col Kupe said such positions have their own challenges but with the help of his colleagues and family, he would deliver the desired goal.
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