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Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantine Chiwenga (centre) congratulates Major-General Sibusisiwe Moyo (left) and Air Vice Marshal Jacob Nzvede after their promotion yesterday. Looking on is Air Vice Marshal Abu Basutu

Herald Reporter
The Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces President Mugabe has promoted Brigadier-General Sibusisiwe Moyo to the rank of Major-General, while Air Commodore Jacob Nzvede was elevated to the rank of Air Vice Marshal.

The appointments, which are with effective from March 4, were done in terms of Section 5 (1) (b) of the Defence Act (Chapter 11:02).

Conferring the ranks on the two officers at Army Headquarters in Harare yesterday, Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantine Chiwenga said the promotions were a result of hard work and loyalty, tenets which the pair should continue to exhibit in discharging their duties.

He said the pair should unite with officers in leadership positions for the defence forces to achieve their targets.

“It is a great honour that has been bestowed on you by the Commander-in-chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces amongst a number of brigadier generals and air commodores,” he said.

“What you need to do now as you come in to lead in your respective areas is to continue with the race. We are in a race and for one to win we must work as a team.

“No one can win the race on his own. We go together as a team and that is what we exactly want you to do.”

Gen Chiwenga said MajGen Moyo and Air Vice Marshal Nzvede should play their part as the country continues to rebuild its economy after more than a decade of sanctions-induced hardships.

“You come in the command element of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces at a difficult time when the economy is not performing well and the reasons are numerous,” he said.

“But we want to see you working together with other colleagues as you also contribute to the building of the economy so that Zimbabwe can surge ahead. Both of you have contributed immensely in your various capacities.”

He said the pair was coming on board with new ideas, which they should be ready to share with their colleagues for the benefit of the country.

“We say you are the new blood,” Gen Chiwenga said.

“The main arteries are going to be functioning because they have been supplied with fresh blood. What is important is the protection of our independence and sovereignty and that can only be done when the force you are going to be directing and leading is well managed and looked after.”

The event was attended by permanent secretary in the Ministry of Defence Mr Martin Rushwaya, service chiefs who included Commander of Zimbabwe National Army Lieutenant General Philip Sibanda and Commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe Air Marshal Perrance Shiri.