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Mnangagwa promotes senior Zimbabwe Defence Forces officers
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In a significant development for the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Commander-in-Chief President Emmerson Mnangagwa promoted three Zimbabwe National Army Brigadier-Generals to the rank of Major-General, alongside one Air Force of Zimbabwe Air Commodore who was elevated to the rank of Air Vice Marshal. The promotions were announced yesterday and are effective from November 20.
The promoted officers are Brigadier-Generals Josphat Kudumba, Augustine Chipwere, and Simo Maseko, along with Air Commodore Selebale Masera. The promotions were made in accordance with the Defence Act (Chapter 11:02), Section 20, as read with Statutory Instrument 257 of 2020, Section 19c, Sub-section 2c, which allows the President to promote officers for distinguished service or gallant conduct on active service based on the recommendations of the Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF).
Brigadier-General Chipwere, who is currently on a mission outside the country, was promoted in absentia. Speaking during the promotion ceremony, Commander of the Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda, commended the officers for their hard work, loyalty, and selfless service to the nation. He described their promotion as a reflection of their commitment to the defence of Zimbabwe and their many years of dedicated service, including their participation in the liberation struggle.
"This promotion is a true testimony of the selfless service you have shown to this country, which dates back as far as the war of liberation, leading to many years of service in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces," General Sibanda said.
He also emphasized that the new ranks come with increased responsibilities, urging the promoted officers to remain exemplary in their new roles.
"The new ranks come with more and extra responsibility to the defence of our country. Continue to do your best as you have previously done," he added.
Major-General Simo Maseko, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for the trust and confidence shown in their abilities. He pledged continued loyalty to the Constitution and the ZDF command establishment.
"We undertake to always remain loyal to the Constitution and the command establishment of the ZDF, and at the same time, we commit to serving the people of Zimbabwe," Major-General Maseko said. "May I also take this rare opportunity, Commander Sir, to heartily thank you together with your command element for tirelessly mentoring us throughout our military career, spanning over 44 years, including the liberation struggle."
Major-General Maseko also highlighted the crucial role the President and the command leadership played in guiding them to their current positions, expressing deep appreciation for their consistent mentorship.
The promotions represent a significant recognition of the officers' distinguished service and reflect the ongoing commitment of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to national security and stability.
The promoted officers are Brigadier-Generals Josphat Kudumba, Augustine Chipwere, and Simo Maseko, along with Air Commodore Selebale Masera. The promotions were made in accordance with the Defence Act (Chapter 11:02), Section 20, as read with Statutory Instrument 257 of 2020, Section 19c, Sub-section 2c, which allows the President to promote officers for distinguished service or gallant conduct on active service based on the recommendations of the Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF).
Brigadier-General Chipwere, who is currently on a mission outside the country, was promoted in absentia. Speaking during the promotion ceremony, Commander of the Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda, commended the officers for their hard work, loyalty, and selfless service to the nation. He described their promotion as a reflection of their commitment to the defence of Zimbabwe and their many years of dedicated service, including their participation in the liberation struggle.
"This promotion is a true testimony of the selfless service you have shown to this country, which dates back as far as the war of liberation, leading to many years of service in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces," General Sibanda said.
He also emphasized that the new ranks come with increased responsibilities, urging the promoted officers to remain exemplary in their new roles.
"The new ranks come with more and extra responsibility to the defence of our country. Continue to do your best as you have previously done," he added.
Major-General Simo Maseko, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for the trust and confidence shown in their abilities. He pledged continued loyalty to the Constitution and the ZDF command establishment.
"We undertake to always remain loyal to the Constitution and the command establishment of the ZDF, and at the same time, we commit to serving the people of Zimbabwe," Major-General Maseko said. "May I also take this rare opportunity, Commander Sir, to heartily thank you together with your command element for tirelessly mentoring us throughout our military career, spanning over 44 years, including the liberation struggle."
Major-General Maseko also highlighted the crucial role the President and the command leadership played in guiding them to their current positions, expressing deep appreciation for their consistent mentorship.
The promotions represent a significant recognition of the officers' distinguished service and reflect the ongoing commitment of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to national security and stability.
Source - The Chronicle
