The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) is embarking on four developmental projects in Manicaland as the military continues with its robust corporate social responsibility initiatives, Commander, Lieutenant General Anselem Sanyatwe has said.
Lieutenant General Sanyatwe said this during the handover-takeover ceremony of outgoing Headquarters 3 Brigade Commander, Brigadier General George Chitsva and in the incoming Brigadier General Arnold Gumbo.
“I am informed that in line with our Constitutional role of providing military aid to civil communities, 3 Infantry Brigade has over the years continued to assist disadvantaged communities with various projects within the province.
“Currently, there are projects like Samanyika Primary School in Nyanga North, Nyatsanza High School in Mutasa District, Registry Offices in Buhera District and the Charles Lwanga Secondary School in Chimanimani District which are yet to be completed.
“The passion with which Brigadier General Chitsva has been handling these community projects is commendable and is critical in the Zimbabwe National Army’s endeavour to improve the livelihood of the generality of our population and maintaining cordial relations through corporate social responsibility,” said Lieutenant General Sanyatwe.
The ZNA Commander said modernisation of military operations is a priority.
“We should all understand Government’s vision for development in its entirety in order to contribute meaningfully in improving the lives and security of our people.
“In this regard, modernisation of the ZNA capabilities is one of our priorities despite the prevailing economic challenges. We shall therefore continue to engage Government through the Ministry of Defence to ensure that ZNA gets the requisite equipment to maintain a formidable force, which shall at any given time be operationally ready and capable of responding rapidly to any eventuality,” said Lieutenant General Sanyatwe.
He said his office is aware of the challenges that 3Brigade is facing.
“As the Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, I am aware and seized with the challenges affecting this formation. This includes the provision of adequate accommodation for personnel, structures for equipment as well as conditions of service for our troops.
“Efforts are underway to address a wide range of these challenges and we will not rest until they are addressed to the satisfaction of the organisation,” he said.
The incoming HQ 3Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Gumbo has held several command and staff appointments, among them Director Staff Senior Division at Zimbabwe Staff College, Director Staff Battalion Group Commanders Course at AABS and Commandant Zimbabwe Military Academy (ZMA), as well as Personal Staff Officer (PSO) to COS AQS.
The outgoing HQ 3 Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Chitsva will be joining 1 Infantry Brigade in Matebeleland.
Traditional leaders Chiefs Mutasa, Marange and Zimunya, senior civil servants in Manicaland, together with several members of the business community graced the occasion.
