Story by Tamuka Charakupa
ARMY officers have been urged to maintain discipline and integrity in the execution of their duties.
The call was made by Commander Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant General Asher Walter Tapfumanei, during a command handover-takeover ceremony at Headquarters Mechanised Brigade, Inkomo Barracks on Wednesday.
Presiding over the ceremony, Lieutenant General Tapfumanei called on members of the uniformed forces to remain disciplined and uphold high standards of professionalism as they carry out their constitutional mandate.
“Discipline remains the cornerstone of a professional and effective military force. As members of the Zimbabwe National Army, you must continue to demonstrate integrity, loyalty and commitment to duty at all times. The security environment continues to evolve and therefore demands officers and men who are dedicated, focused and guided by the values and ethos of our defence forces. I urge you all to remain vigilant, shun conduct that brings the institution into disrepute and continue serving the nation with honour and distinction,” he said.
Outgoing commander, Brigadier General Rabhani Nikisi, and incoming commander, Brigadier General Stanford Kufa, echoed similar sentiments during the ceremony.
“As I hand over command, I am proud to leave behind a disciplined and capable brigade that has consistently demonstrated professionalism and dedication to duty. The achievements recorded during my tenure were made possible through teamwork, commitment and adherence to military values. I urge all officers and soldiers to continue supporting the new commander and maintain the same levels of discipline and operational readiness that have characterised this formation,” he said.
“I assume command fully aware of the responsibility entrusted upon me, and I pledge to uphold the values of hard work, dedication and professionalism. Together, we will continue strengthening operational effectiveness while ensuring that discipline remains at the centre of everything we do. I also call upon all members of the brigade to shun drug and substance abuse, which undermines productivity, weakens institutions and threatens the well-being of our personnel. We must remain focused on our duty to serve the nation,” Incoming Commander, Headquarters Mechanised Brigade, Inkomo Barracks, Brigadier General Stanford Kufa said.
Military handover and takeover ceremonies are a long-standing tradition that ensures continuity of leadership and the smooth transfer of command responsibilities.
