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Air Marshal Perrance Shiri addresses students at the National Defence College in Harare yesterday

Herald Reporter
Air Force of Zimbabwe Commander Air Marshal Perrance Shiri, says the military was not involved in any party politics, but concentrated on defending Zimbabwe’s sovereignty.
In his address to the students at the National Defence College, Air Marshal Shiri said Zimbabwean citizenship could only be guaranteed through holistic independence.
“The citizenship of Zimbabweans is only guaranteed when the people can claim total ownership of every inch of their country,” he said.

“Therefore, our obligation is to bequeath to future generations the right and means to defend this God-given wealth and freedom through ensuring adequate resources, command and control structures and management processes.”

Air Marshal Shiri said the AFZ had been negatively affected by the illegal sanctions imposed on the country.
“The Western imposed sanctions have not spared the AFZ from the harsh economic environment, especially the acquisition of new equipment and backup spares,” he said.

“The economic sanctions affected the acquisition of new aircraft, spare parts and support equipment.
“The financial demands for the above have become exorbitant as most purchases have to be done using sanctions busting measures the country has established so far.”

Air Marshal Shiri said the process to rename KGV1 Barracks to Josiah Tongogara Barracks would be completed soon.