Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
Commander Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, has called on 15 newly-promoted Colonels to treat their elevation by President Mnangagwa as a demanding call to service, urging them to embrace innovation, discipline and responsibility.
Speaking on behalf of Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi during an investiture ceremony held at Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks in Harare yesterday, ZNA Chief of Staff Quartermaster, Major-General Simo Maseko, said the promotions signified both recognition of past performance and heightened expectations for excellence.
Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi said the promotions were a direct acknowledgement of merit rather than luck.
“Your promotions come directly from His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. You have worked for your promotion, you deserve this elevation. I do not believe in luck, so you deserve it. This is a milestone achievement,” he said.
Lt Gen Tapfumaneyi told the officers that their new insignia came with increased responsibility and expectations.
“This elevation is not just a badge of honour, it is a call to duty, bringing added responsibilities. Show you deserve these new badges by working harder,” he said.
Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi said the Colonels must move beyond routine work and focus on contributing improvements that strengthen the organisation.
“Introduce improvements and innovations in your workplaces. Don’t go for routine issues, go for improvements.
“Go for issues that bring the ZNA to a better pedestal.”
He emphasised that effective military leadership requires cultivating strong teams and modelling the right behaviour.
“The military is not a one-person show, exhibit teamwork, become exemplary team leaders and valuable team players. Embrace the ‘do as I do’ concept; allow your subordinates to learn from your expertise and learn from them as well,” said Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi.
He said promotions come with pressure not only from the institution but also from families who expect visible progress.
“Promotions come with organisational and personal responsibilities and expectations. Your families expect you to upgrade your living standards. Live up to their expectations.”
Lit-Gen Tapfumaneyi challenged the newly promoted officers to continue growing.
He called for innovation within the ZNA to help maintain the peaceful environment needed for Zimbabwe’s economic goals.
“Strive for personal growth and do not be comfortable in your new rank, work harder.
“Foster a tranquil environment that brings peace and development in the country. Usher in the necessary peace so that the country can develop into an upper-middle economy by 2030,” said Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi.
Under the Defence Act, the President commissions officers and can promote them, having the sole authority to promote officers to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, or the equivalent of Wing Commander and above.
The Defence Minister can promote officers to Major or Squadron leader, and the Commander of the Defence Forces to Captain or Flight Lieutenant.
After their promotions, there is usually a ceremony where the new insignia, generally carried on the epaulettes of army officers or as rings on the formal uniform jacket of air force officers along with outline epaulettes on their shirts, are handed over or directly pinned on the uniform by a senior officer.
