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Conrad Mupesa

Mashonaland West Bureau

ZIMBABWE’S vision of becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2030 is only attainable if the prevailing peace persists, with the country’s army pledging to play its role in fostering security.

Speaking yesterday at a handover-takeover ceremony for the Mechanised Brigade at Inkomo Barracks, Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) commander, Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe, said with terrorism now common in the region, the army was supposed to jealously safeguard the nation and its citizens from any form of aggression for development to persist.

Brigadier-General Josphat Kudumba took over command of the brigade from Major General Temba Bvunzai Mlambo (Rtd).

Major General Mlambo served as the Mechanised Brigade commander from 2019 after taking over from Brigadier General Steven Gwekwerere.

Lieutenant General Sanyatwe said: “You must remember that development of any nation is anchored upon its ability to ensure security for its citizens.

“The nation is likely to face the most dangerous threat in modern times, which is terrorism. I am saying this because acts of terrorism are currently happening in the region and in the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique, in particular.

“I urge you to diligently train your men and be highly professional in the execution of your duties during the period of your tenure at the helm of the Mechanised Brigade so that you will be able to deal effectively with any form of aggression”.

He challenged the incoming commander, Brig Gen Kudumba, to continuously train highly energetic and dynamic soldiers a\s the Second Republic works tirelessly to ensure that living standards of the uniformed forces are improved.

“The people of Zimbabwe have high hopes and expectations for a better future and as the Zimbabwe National Army, we should ensure that the conducive and tranquil environment prevails. This will ensure that all Government developmental programmes, the citizenry of this nation and its visitors alike, enjoy a sense of belonging and security in this beautiful country.

“We should all, therefore, understand the Government’s vision for development in its entirety in order to contribute meaningfully in improving the lives and security of our people,” said Lt Gen Sanyatwe.

He described the two commanders who are founding members of the Zimbabwe National Army as high calibre generals of unquestionable loyalty.

The ZNA commander acknowledged the outgoing Maj-Gen Mlambo (Rtd) for steering the formation in its quest to provide corporate social responsibility projects to disadvantaged communities.

In his handover speech, Maj Gen Mlambo (Rtd), who served as a soldier for 49 years, including five during the liberation struggle, said the brigade had embarked on various training tasks that were meant to hone its skills in line with its primary and secondary roles.

“Important to mention is that the inaugural Armour Squadron Commander’s Course was introduced and run during my tour of duty as commander Mechanised Brigade.

“The Brigade also supported the ZNA’s major training programmes consistent with the organisation’s successive training directives,” he said.