Story by Peter Chivhima
THE Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa has promoted six Air Force of Zimbabwe senior officers from the rank of Wing Commanders to Group Captains and 16 squadron leaders to the rank of Wing Commanders.
The Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) has stressed the importance of putting in place strategies that promote gender equality.
While conferring new badge of ranks to the newly promoted officers at AFZ headquarters in Harare this Friday, Commander AFZ, Air Marshal Elson Moyo spoke on the importance of gender parity in the organisation.
“Your promotions are not just decorations, but they come with responsibilities. You are going to occupy high offices in the organisation and as such you are going to be accountable to those who will be under you. Let me also say that no favouritism. Coming to the issue of gender parity, as the AFZ we consider gender parity, but the most important aspect is that they should also meet all the requirements so that they can be promoted.”
The newly promoted group captains are Group Captains Simon Sambadzai, Pasipano Babi, Kenny Kunaka, and Peter Dondo as well as two females; Group Captains Muchayeverwa Dabhu and Joyce Maeresera.
Meanwhile AFZ Chief of Staff Supporting Services, Air Vice Marshal John Jacob Nzvede has presided over the investiture ceremony of 16 Squadron Leaders including four female officers who were promoted to the rank of Wing Commanders.
“As I congratulate you today after your promotions, I want to implore you to remain alive to the expectations of the AFZ. The AFZ expects you to work hard for the benefit of the organisation and the entire nation,” said Air Vice Marshal Nzvede.
Speaking soon after downing the new badges of ranks, the newly promoted officers pledged to give back to the AFZ and the entire Nation.
Group Captain Joyce Maeresera said, “I want to thank our Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces President Emmerson Mnangagwa for promoting me to the rank of Group Captain. I pledge that I am going to work hard so that our AFZ remains a force to reckon. I also promise that I will work hard for the nation to achieve its target of becoming an upper-middle-income society by 2030. Lastly, to my fellow women, I implore them to work hard and that is the secret behind every success.”
“I want to thank the AFZ Commander and the command element for approving my promotion. I am so happy that I am part of those who have been recognised today,” said Wing Commander Caroline Muringazuva.
The AFZ is constantly training its officers in a bid to remain a formidable force that will match with other defence forces from the region and beyond.
