Perrence Shiri denies Jonathan Moyo approach

The Air Force of Zimbabwe Commander, Air Marshal Perrence Shiri has dismissed allegations in some sections of the local media that the military has been approached by Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister, Professor Jonathan Moyo, to intervene to the President on his behalf.

Air Marshal Shiri dismissed the allegations at the National Defence College where he gave a lecture entitled: 'Creating a Legacy Beyond 2020'.

Air Marshal Shiri told ZBC News the military will not interfere in the politics of the party and will only get involved in politics when the country faces external threat.

"As military we have been schooled into understanding that the gun does not command the party, but the party does command the gun. We do not interfere in the politics of Zanu-PF, we only get involved in politics when the country is under external threat," said Air Marshal Shiri.

As part of his address, Air Marshal Shiri said the Air Force of Zimbabwe has not been spared by the illegal sanctions as they face problems in acquiring new aircrafts and spare parts.
He said the force has, however, survived due to innovations.

"Such innovation and creativity has resulted in the saving of foreign currency in the purchasing of some spares. We have saved a lot of foreign currency through this initiative," he added.

Turning to the renaming of KG6 to Josiah Tongogara, he admitted the process has taken too long, adding more will be done to create awareness as it is time the Zimbabwean identity supersedes colonial names.

Proposals are that KG6 barracks be renamed Josiah Tongogara.

A total of 25 participants drawn from the Zimbabwe National Army, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance and the Zimbabwe Prisons Service, attended the lecture which outlined the vision, mission, and future plans of the Air Force of Zimbabwe.