Story by Silibaziso Dlodlo
A routine military reshuffle has seen Brigadier General Ernest Shamu take command of One Infantry Brigade in Bulawayo.
The handover ceremony was presided over by Lieutenant General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi this Monday at Khumalo Barracks, marking the formal transition of leadership within the brigade.
Outgoing commander, Chief of Staff Administration, Major General Cephas Gurira, handed over command to Brigadier General Shamu.
“It is with profound humility and honour that I stand before this August gathering to witness the official handover and takeover of command of One Infantry Brigade. Allow me this opportune moment to express my sincere gratitude to you all for your unwavering support during the time we worked together.
“Let me also take this moment to bid you farewell as I hand over command of One Infantry Brigade, the Indlovu Iyanyathela, Nzou Inotsika Brigade, to my successor, the incoming commander Brigadier General Shamu. According to military tradition, we are having this occasion following my promotion to the rank of Major General and my subsequent reassignment to Army Headquarters as Chief of Staff Administration,” he said.
“I feel greatly humbled and honoured as this appointment reflects the trust and confidence you have in me. I am truly grateful and accept the responsibilities that come with this appointment. Over the years, One Infantry Brigade has proved to be a force to be reckoned with, as reflected by its past successes during operations and other assigned tasks,” incoming commander, One Infantry Brigade Brigadier General Ernest Shamu said.
“As a matter of fact, I am called upon to continue raising the brigade flag high in order to conform to the expected standards. As I take command of this brigade, I am aware of the challenges that lie ahead. However, I am cognisant that my predecessors also faced challenges but managed to create opportunities out of them.”
The Zimbabwe National Army Commander said the transition is a routine military adjustment and rationalisation meant to preserve the integrity of command.
“Let me extend my sincere appreciation to the outgoing commander for his remarkable service as Commander of One Infantry Brigade and wish him well in his new role as Chief of Staff Administration at Army Headquarters. Now turning to you, General Shamu, General Shamu is a general of great repute. Throughout his career, he has displayed a high sense of loyalty and dedication to duty.
“Brigadier General Shamu has served at various levels of command, where he distinguished himself extremely well. He is an administrator par excellence whose experience spans from administering sub-units to higher responsibilities at Army Headquarters as the Army Inspector General. This is therefore a routine military adjustment and rationalisation meant to preserve the integrity of command,” Lieutenant General Tapfumaneyi said.
One Infantry Brigade is based at Khumalo Barracks in Bulawayo and plays a significant role in maintaining the Zimbabwe National Army’s operational readiness and national defence mandate.
