The Sunday News
Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe National Army should play a leading role in nation building through supporting socio-economic programmes for economic recovery and growth, the commander, Lieutenant-General, Edzai Chanyuka Chimonyo, has said.
Speaking during the handover-takeover ceremony of the command of 5 Infantry Brigade, in Battlefields last week, Lt-Gen Chimonyo said the ZNA should support President Mnangagwa’s call to open the country for business.
He rallied the army to support the Government ministries in rolling out economic development programmes.
“The advent of a new dispensation on 24 November 2017 stresses the responsibility on us to be always on the forefront of supporting the development cause of our country.
“We should take a leading role in supporting the new Government and in pursuit of President (Emmerson) Mnangagwa’s clarion call that Zimbabwe is open for business,” said Lt-Gen Chimonyo.
He implored the ZNA to also play a leading role in rebranding the image of the nation which he said should start with the forces reforming themselves.
“As the vanguard to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment within Zimbabwe borders, it is a mandate as enshrined in the Zimbabwe Constitution to take a leading role in nation building endeavours through the diligent application of the support in civil ministries,” he said.
He said the country was on a re-engagement drive and everyone should support this noble cause.
“As members of the security forces, you should remain loyal to your leadership and committed to duty.
“I urge you to desist from tendencies that tarnish the image of the ZNA but should strive to rebrand as we work on rebuilding our nation,” he said.
Lt-Gen Chimonyo said the new administration was working on improving the welfare and working conditions of soldiers.
He said what was paramount was the need for the country to unite and work together for the socio-economic growth of the nation.
He implored the army to help create a peaceful and secure environment conducive for business.
Speaking at the same function incoming Commander, 5 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier-General Simo Maseko said the ushering in of the new dispensation was a testament to the fact that the ZNA was a special asset to the country.
He said he will conduct his duties with due diligence while carrying on with projects left by his predecessor, Brigadier-General Morgan Urayai Munawa.
“The events of November 2017 that ushered the country to a new dispensation reminds me of our Zimbabwe Defence Forces, commander, General Philip Valerio Sibanda that ‘soldiers are the best asset’,”
“We are indeed the best asset and we should continue working for the development of this nation,” he said.
Brig-Gen Maseko becomes the 14th commander since the establishment of 5 Infantry Brigade.
