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Talent Chimutambgi and Columbus Mabika
Members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) have been urged to remain focused and not to be distracted by the impact of the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by Western nations.

Speaking during the handover and takeover ceremony held at 2 Presidential Guard Battalion in Dzivarasekwa on Monday, outgoing Presidential Guard Commander Lieutenant-General Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe (Rtd) underscored the need for soldiers to remain focused, loyal and dedicated despite the effects of the illegal sanctions that have adversely affected the country, insisting that it was a passing phase.

“You must not be carried away by the effects of the illegal sanctions long imposed on our great nation by the West, this is but a passing phase,” said Lt-Gen Sanyatwe.

“I urge you the guards to remain loyal, resolute, focused and guided by the directives from the Zimbabwe National Army,” he said.

He said members of the ZDF should not be distracted by social media which has become a weapon for enemies to destabilise the country.

“You must not be carried away by social media propaganda, disinformation and subversion,” said Lt-Gen Sanyatwe.
The ceremony was held in line with the dictates of Section 10 of the Defence Act.

Lt-Gen Sanyatwe, who has been in command of the Presidential Guard Brigade since 2005 after he succeeded the late Brigadier- General Armstrong Gunda, said leading such a unit was a mammoth task since he was responsible for the security of the First Family and visiting Heads of State, adding this was achieved through unity.

“My primary role was to guarantee the security of the First Family and in particular the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, VVIPs, and other visiting Heads of State. To achieve this role, it demanded practical teamwork and unity of purpose among the departments of the security services responsible for this critical responsibility,” he added.

He said he was responsible for providing support to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to ensure that peace and order is maintained in Harare province.

Under Lt-Gen Sanyatwe’s command the Presidential Guard Brigade spearheaded various humanitarian works such as establishing an e-learning laboratory at Dzivarasekwa Barracks Primary School, construction of an administration block at Gillingham Primary School and a science laboratory block at Dzivarasekwa 2 High School.

In his acceptance speech, incoming Presidential Guard Brigade commander Brigadier-General Fidelis Mhonda pledged to discharge his duties with professionalism.

“I want to assure all members of the brigade that I will discharge my duties within the confines of professionalism, diligence, honesty, loyalty and discipline required in the organisation,” said Brig-Gen Mhonda.

He thanked the Commander of the ZNA, Lieutenant-General Edzai Absalom Chimonyo — who was the chief witness of the ceremony — for according him such a responsibility.

Lt- General Chimonyo implored both senior officers to discharge their duties efficiently in their new appointments.
“I urge you all (Lt-Gen Sanyatwe and Brig- Gen Mhonda) to be professional and discharge your duties in line with the demands of your responsibilities in a professional manner,” said Lt-Gen Chimonyo.