Army modernisation a top priority
THE modernisation of the Zimbabwe National Army’s capabilities remains a top priority despite the prevailing economic challenges emanating from the illegally-imposed sanctions on the country by detractors and former colonisers, Army commander Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe said yesterday.
He was speaking at the handover and take-over parade of the command of 2 Infantry Brigade in Harare, with Brigadier-General Charles Mashava taking over from Brigadier-General Mpulaeng Siziba, who has been transferred to command 5 Infantry Brigade in Kwekwe.
Lt-Gen Sanyatwe said Government was working on a range of interventions aimed at making ZNA a formidable force ready to respond to any eventuality.
“As Commander Zimbabwe National Army, I am aware and seized with the challenges affecting this formation such as the provision of adequate and suitable permanent accommodation and structures for both personnel and equipment as well as conditions of service.
“Efforts are underway to address a wide range of challenges that you in your individual capacities and the organisation are facing. In this regard, the modernisation of the ZNA’s capabilities is one of my priorities despite the prevailing economic challenges.
“We shall therefore continue to engage the Government, through the Ministry of Defence, to ensure that ZNA gets the requisite equipment so that it remains a formidable force, operationally ready and capable of responding rapidly to any eventuality.”
The ZNA had a mandate to ensure a conducive environment prevailed for national development and economic growth.
“The nation has high hopes and expectations for a better future and as the ZNA, we should ensure that the conducive and tranquil environment prevails so that all Government development programmes, the citizenry of this nation and its visitors alike, enjoy a sense of belonging and security in our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.
“We should all therefore, understand the Government’s vision for development in its entirety in order to contribute meaningfully in improving the lives and security of our people,” he said.
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