The ManicaPost
Ray Bande Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National Army’s timeous intervention during the Cyclone Idai disaster helped to spruce up its image in the eyes on the international community, the ZNA Commander Lieutenant-General Edzai Chimonyo said on Tuesday.
Lieutenant-General Chimonyo said this at the hand-over take-over ceremony of outgoing 3 Brigade Commander Brigadier-General Joel Muzvidziwa and his successor Brigadier-General George Chitsva at the Hebert Chitepo Barracks in Mutare.
“When Zimbabwe was hit by the devastating Cyclone Idai early this year, the timely intervention by the formation under the command of Brigadier-General Muzvidziwa redeemed the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ image in the eyes of the nation and even the international community.
“Manicaland bore brunt of the disaster from the onset and the 3 Infantry Brigade, under leadership of Brigadier-General Muzvidziwa came to rescue of the affected communities in a very big way.
“While no kind of assistance could be good enough to provide replacement for the lost lives and destroyed property, the tireless effort made by the Infantry 3 Brigade went a long way in restoring lost hope and rebuilding confidence among the survivors of that unfortunate calamity,” he said.
Brigadier-General Muzvidziwa has been reassigned to take up the post of Commandant Zimbabwe Staff College where the organisation is expected to benefit from his experience and expertise.
Brigadier-General Muzvidziwa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, a Masters degree in International Relations and is currently studying towards a Doctorate in Politics and Public Management.
Speaking at the same function, Brigadier-General Muzvidziwa applauded officers in the 3 Brigade formation for their dedication to duty.
“The manner we managed and addressed challenges and risks to national survival pre-during and post elections; the January wild demonstrations and the Cyclone Idai-included calamities among the encounters attest to the quality of the team the province possesses.
“As a team we always asked the question, are thoughts and activities going to benefit our organisation, our province and with it our Motherland Zimbabwe and all our responses were sensitive to the requirements at play,” he said.
The 3 Brigade commander, Brigadier-General Chitsva appealed for teamwork among officers.
“To my officers, men and women of 3 Infantry Brigade, I appeal to all of you to give me the same support you gave my predecessor. I believe in teamwork, and together we can make this formation the best in the Zimbabwe National Army. I urge all of you to remain disciplined, focused and jealously guard our beloved country. I love you all and promise to command this formation without fear or favour,” he said.
