Shiri assures AFZ of full support
RETIRED Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri yesterday assured his successor that whenever his input was required he would always ensure that interests of the Air Force of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces were looked after with as much emphasis as those of the nation as a whole.
Air Chief Marshal Shiri (Rtd), who is now the Minister of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement and was the Air Force of Zimbabwe Commander said this during the hand over/take over of command at Manyame Air Force Base yesterday.
Air Marshal Elson Moyo took over following the reassignment of Air Chief Marshal Shiri (Rtd), who had been the commander for 25 years.
“As I handover command of the Air Force of Zimbabwe to Air Marshal Elson Moyo, I must admit that I shall always cherish the legacies of empowerment, gallantry, professionalism, resilience, discipline and patriotism, among others, which the organisation preserved and demonstrated since time immemorial,” he said.
Air Chief Marshal Shiri (Rtd) said it was his hope that Air Marshal Moyo would carry on with the requisite leadership that will ensure the continued recognition of the AFZ as a force to reckon with.
“In view of my long service in the Air Force of Zimbabwe, it goes without mention that as I am retiring, I am doing so with utmost pride.
“As you may know, I have once again been afforded an opportunity to serve Zimbabwe as the Minister of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement. Let me assure you that we shall always be together in spirit.
“Whenever my input is required, I shall always ensure that the interests of the Air Force of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces at large, are looked after with much emphasis as of those of the nation as a whole,’’ he said.
He applauded the support he got from all generals and air officers of the AFZ and ZDF during his tenure as commander.
The incoming commander, Air Marshal Moyo said he felt greatly honoured with the trust accorded to him by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the entire ZDF hierarchy.
“My promotion and elevation to Commander AFZ, comes with expectations.
“I am quite aware that I am expected to improve the organisation, its methods and procedures and control and use to the best advantage, members and equipment from where my predecessor left.
“As I commence my tenure, I am heartened to inherit the roadmap for the overall transformation of the AFZ. As a matter of fact, my command philosophy shall be anchored on the strategic imperatives already in operation in the AFZ,” he said.
Air Marshal Moyo promised that he will espouse and discharge his duties to the best of his knowledge and would work to build a service that observes military value systems, guided by a common resolve to perform their functions with competence, diligence and honouring the trust placed upon them by the people.
“To the officers, men and women of the AFZ, I look forward to serving you and I promise to pursue options that benefit you, your families and relatives. I would like all of you to know that unity is strength and therefore, you must all act with uncompromising institutional integrity and dedicate unreserved loyalty to team effort, supporting each other at all times.
“I look forward to leading you into the next chapter of success in the history of the Air Force of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda who witnessed the hand over and take over, said he was privileged to work with Air Chief Marshal Shiri (Rtd) when he took AFZ command in 1992.
He said throughout his service, he demonstrated extraordinary leadership qualities, vision and humility, which were all key components of a good leader.
“In this regard, I want to take this opportunity to, on your own behalf and all other members of our Defence Forces who are not at this hand over/take over ceremony and indeed on my own behalf, to thank him for his committed service to our Defence Forces and country over the last 44 years, with 37 years of the 44 years as commander of Air Force and the remainder, seven years spent in the liberation struggle,” General Sibanda said.
He said Air Marshal Moyo was taking the AFZ Command at a time when they had just entered the beginning of the Second Republic, with the people having high expectations of a better life.
He said these expectations will come to naught if the Airforce and him in particular as AFZ Commander, fail to execute their roles as mandated.
“As the Air Chief alluded to in his speech, I want to urge all members of the AFZ to give all your support to the incoming commander for the good of the AFZ, our Defence Forces and country. Air Marshal Moyo, I wish you well in your new assignment,” Gen Sibanda said.
The ceremony was attended by secretary for the Ministry of Defence, Security and War Veterans Mr Martin Rushwaya, Acting Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) Deputy Director-General Aaron Nhepera, defence attaches accredited to Zimbabwe and senior officers from the Zimbabwe National Army, ZRP, AFZ, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) and other senior Government officials.