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Nesia Mhaka Herald Correspondent

The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) will never compromise its constitutional mandate of safeguarding the sovereignty of the country, a senior army officer has said.

Speaking at the handover-takeover parade of the commanding officer of 1 Field Regiment held at 2 Infantry Brigade in Harare yesterday, Commander Artillery Brigade Brigadier-General Sydney Singizi, who was the chief witness of the parade, said despite the economic challenges the country was facing, ZNA would always fulfil its duties.

“As the ZNA we all have a constitutional mandate of defending Zimbabwe’s sovereignty against both local and external forces of negativity and their sponsors in order to create a conducive environment for our people,” he said.

Brig-General Singizi said the army was supposed to create and maintain a conducive and peaceful environment for the nation.

He urged the forces to remain loyal and vigilant in defending the nation from internal and external threats.

“It is important to note that serving in the Zimbabwe National Army during this critical phase of redefining our new trajectory requires you to be loyal and dedicated,” said Brig-Gen Singizi. “In this regard, I urge you to remain a disciplined unit whose professional conduct will go a long way in maintaining the good reputation of the organisation.”

At the event, Lieutenant-Colonel Jones Matonda was appointed as the new commanding officer of 1 Field Regiment, Zimbabwe Artillery, replacing the outgoing Lieutenant-Colonel Isaiah Chitungo.

In his acceptance speech, Lt-Col Matonda pledged to unify the force’s members.

“As I accept this higher responsibility of command and control, I wish to express my deep sense of gratitude to be appointed the 15th commanding officer of this close support regiment of Zimbabwe Artillery,” he said.

“I am quite confident that no challenge will be insurmountable.”

Lt-Col Chitungo advised ZNA forces to remain focused and thrive hard to defend the nation as enshrined in the Constitution.

He urged his counterparts to play their role in the competent, reputable, professional and highly disciplined force.