Story by Peter Chivhima

THE newly appointed Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), Lieutenant General Anselem Sanyatwe has officially taken over command of the ZNA.

The Zimbabwe National Army this Friday held a handover and takeover grand parade that saw the newly appointed army commander, Lieutenant General Anselem Sanyatwe taking over command of the force at Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare.

In his keynote address, the Chief Witnessing Officer and Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda spoke on the need for the officers and men in the force to remain vigilant and duty-bound.

“Let us all be duty-bound so that we defend the gains of the country. Let’s remain disciplined since it is the cornerstone of our organisation,” said General Sibanda.

In his farewell remarks, the outgoing Commander ZNA, Lieutenant General David Sigauke thanked the Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the entire ZDF family for the support they rendered to him during his tenure as the Commander ZNA since 2021.

“As I come to the end of my exciting and demanding tenure as Commander of Zimbabwe National Army, I also wish to reiterate how privileged and honoured I feel to have been afforded an opportunity to serve the organisation in various command positions and ultimately as the Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army. I am deeply conscious of the trust and confidence that H.E the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa and the entire ZDF chain of command invested in me, and that gesture will forever be cherished. The incoming commander needs the same support,” he said.

The ceremony was also characterised by the sacramental exchange of command, which entails the handover of the ZNA flag and signed certificates.

In his acceptance of command, ZNA Commander, Lieutenant General Sanyatwe pledged his allegiance in saving the nation of Zimbabwe diligently.

He said, “Let me assure you that I will strive to build the ZNA to be a professional organisation through training our members. Let’s continue to support Zimbabwe so that together we achieve the country’s vision of becoming an upper-middle-income society by 2030. I also urge you to continue to be vigilant for the security of our country Zimbabwe. Let’s work together and be disciplined since discipline is the cornerstone of our organisation. I also want to take this opportunity to thank President Emerson Mnangagwa for appointing me as the Commander ZNA.”

Lieutenant General Sanyatwe was appointed Commander ZNA last month by the Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Emerson Mnangagwa upon the retirement of Lieutenant General Sigauke.