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Air Marshal Perrance Shiri bestows new insignia on Blessing Ndoro, who became the youngest Group Captain in the Air Force of Zimbabwe following her promotion at Air Force Headquarters yesterday. — (Picture by John Manzongo)

Nyemudzai Kakore Herald Correspondent
President Mugabe has promoted Wing Commander Blessings Ndoro to the position of Group Captain while 15 Squadron Leaders have been promoted to the position of Wing Commander.

The promotions were done in terms of Section (1) (b) of the Defence Act Chapter 11:02 (. . . the President may, on the advice of the Minister acting on the recommendation of the Commander, promote or temporarily appoint an officer to a higher rank).

Group Captain Ndoro was promoted after successfully completing the required courses at the military training academies and command and staff development institutions.

Those promoted to the rank of Wing Commander are Phineas Masuku, Frank Dube, Charles Tsiga, Davison Mupurwa, Brian Kaseke, Mhaka Munyaradzi, Mike Makochekanwa, Loyd Bamba, Muchayeverwa Dhabu, Lysinda Mahere, Elliot Revesayi, Samatha Gomani, Trust Chimanga, Portia Munetsi and Tendai Gongera.

Speaking after the conferment of Group Captain Ndoro, Air Force of Zimbabwe Commander Air Marshal Perrance Shiri said she is a deserving candidate of the rank because of her conduct, contribution and loyalty to the Government and Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

Air Marshal Shiri said it was a major achievement for the Air Force to have another female Group Captain whose promotion was not based on gender, but on competence.

“Your history in the organisation is characterised by discipline and hard work. As a result it comes as no surprise to anyone that the Commander-in-Chief has found it necessary to promote you,” he said.

“We are going through difficult economic times and as a result your subordinates will be having challenges and frustrations emanating from scarcity of basic needs and as a leader, you will have to commiserate, council and provide them with leadership.

“It’s your duty to ensure they have high moral all the time which calls for innovativeness and creativity,” said Air Marshal Shiri.