Online Reporter
Columbus Mabika-Herald Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National Army will remain alert and vigilant against contemporary threats to ensure peace and tranquillity prevail, enabling national development and the attainment of national aspirations, the Commander of the ZNA, Lieutenant General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, has said.
He made the remarks yesterday at Kaguvi Barracks (formerly Cranborne Barracks) in Harare during the command handover of 2 Infantry Brigade, where Brigadier General Million Ndlovu handed over to Colonel Jabulani Mulambo.
Brig Gen Ndlovu has been assigned to the post of Senior Personal Staff Officer to the Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, while Colonel Mulambo, previously a Directing Staff at the Zimbabwe National Defence University, is awaiting finalisation of his promotion to the rank of Brigadier General.
Lt Gen Tapfumaneyi said the citizenry and visitors alike should be able to enjoy peace in the country, hence the ZNA and its sister security organisations would go the extra mile to ensure a safe environment.
“As part of the security architecture, we will do everything within our confines to ensure that citizens and visitors alike enjoy peace in this beautiful motherland of ours. We are here to ensure that peace and tranquillity prevail for the achievement of national development and the attainment of national aspirations.”
Lt Gen Tapfumaneyi noted that command handovers were a routine tradition in the military, symbolising unity and camaraderie and exposing officers to diverse situations as they grow in their command responsibilities.
“This system of management helps to develop officers into versatile and all‑round leaders capable of handling the ever‑changing demands of the military profession, both tactically and administratively. I want to commend the two senior officers for upholding this important military tradition, where officers and soldiers gather and dine together as part of our institutional culture.”
Lt Gen Tapfumaneyi added that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ legacy was anchored on key principles such as discipline, integrity, respect for authority, loyalty, selflessness and professionalism — foundations essential to building a cohesive and effective army.
Turning to negative media coverage the ZNA has received in recent times, Lt Gen Tapfumaneyi said the media should not fabricate stories.
“Our mandate is to defend Zimbabwe from external and internal enemies when they arise among us. Anybody who wants to cook up a story painting conspiracy theories is lost in his weak imagination. We are there to defend this country.”
Lt Gen Tapfumaneyi said Brig Gen Ndlovu’s new responsibilities would be greater than those he previously held as Commander 2 Infantry Brigade, and called on him to continue his exemplary hard work, which has earned him trust over the years.
In his farewell remarks, Brig Gen Ndlovu said it had been a great honour to command the brigade.
He described his tenure as both productive and fulfilling, highlighting the strong bond forged with officers, men and women in the formation, as well as with Government officials and provincial leadership.
He praised members of the brigade for their teamwork, discipline and commitment, noting that these had contributed to the successful execution of operations, training programmes and other assignments from army headquarters.
Colonel Mulambo said he was humbled and honoured by the appointment, describing it as a reflection of the trust and confidence placed in him by the army leadership.
He said 2 Infantry Brigade had proven itself a formidable formation over the years through its operational track record.
