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Luke Mafere Mutare Bureau
THE Zimbabwe National Army has promoted 10 captains from Manicaland’s 3 Infantry Brigade to the rank of major, while nine lieutenants were also elevated to the next rank of captain with effect from December 20.

The promotions, which were done by the Minister of Defence and the Commander of Zimbabwe Defence Forces respectively, are in accordance with Section 15(1)(B) of the Defence Act, Chapter 11:02.

The investiture ceremony for the recently promoted officers was held at Headquarters 3 Infantry Brigade (Herbert Chitepo Barracks) in Mutare yesterday.

The guest of honour at the ceremony, who is also the Deputy Commander 3 Infantry Brigade, Colonel Joe Muzvidziwa, said the promotions were important to both the organisation and the individuals as they came soon after the successful execution of Operation Restore Legacy.

“Operation Restore Legacy was important to the organisation and to you as individuals because it awarded you a feel of the operational experiences in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. You are being promoted at a time when you are operationally familiar with both the organisation as well as your troops, which is an advantage to you,” said Col Muzvidziwa.

Col Muzvidziwa implored the officers to gear themselves up for more organisational responsibilities as well as national assignments, which would inevitably follow their ranks.

“You should always be ready to embrace more responsibilities as and when called upon on your new appointments, and also bear in mind that more work is coming your way,” he said.

Col Muzvidziwa also reminded the officers that the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has set 2018 as the year of productivity, thereby setting a work tone for all men and women across the rank and file of the ZDF.

“The President Cde ED Mnangagwa, has made it clear that this is a year of productivity and the ZDF, including all its members, should realise that this is not the year of business as usual. As you are being promoted, always bear that in mind,” he said.

Captains Kudakwashe Gono, Lerato Mukwena, Adonis Malisa, Milton Kwiri, Webster Jokomo, Fungai Munhapa, Washington Barwa, Simon Maisvoreva and Augustine Kaseke were promoted to the rank of major.

Among those promoted to the rank of captain from lieutenant is the Zimbabwe National Army spokesperson for Manicaland Province, Lieutenant Moreblessings Mugumbate and Lieutenant Chinyandura from 3.1 Combat Group in Dangamvura.