'Appoint soldiers as parastatal CEOs' says Machaya

A Zanu-PF Minister, Jason Machaya, has reported suggested that military personnel must be entrusted with running parastatals as they are highly disciplined and principled.

Addressing troops and businesspeople at a send-off party for 5 Brigade Deputy Commander, Colonel Morgan Mzilikazi, in Kwekwe yesterday, Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister Machaya said "salary-gate" must be dealt with decisively.

"Some people always say Government is militarising institutions, but let me remind them that the world over military personnel have proved to be the best managers for parastatals because they are highly disciplined, loyal, dedicated and most of all principled," he said.

"They do not behave like what the country is just witnessing where chief executive officers and board members are conniving to award themselves salaries and benefits that are out of this world."

According to the Herald, Minister Machaya said Col Mzilikazi's contributions to Midlands were beyond measure as he proved to be a leader who could interact with all people regardless of age, religious beliefs or educational background.

Chief Nyika, urged people in his area to work with the army in maintaining and preserving the country's culture, which he said was critical to national development.

"I worked well with Colonel Mzilikazi. He would make sure chiefs and traditional leaders in his area of command were well aware of all military events," he said.

Col Mzilikazi, who has been with 5 Brigade for more than four years, has been reassigned to a yet undisclosed position. Col Mzilikazi urged the military to work closely with traditional leaders, businesspeople and politicians.