Source: 21 AFZ officers get key ranks – herald
Columbus Mabika
Herald Reporter
THE Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Mnangagwa, has promoted 21 Air Force of Zimbabwe officers.
Those promoted include two Group Captains to the rank of Air Commodore, three Wing Commanders to Group Captain and 16 Squadron Leaders to Wing Commander.
Givemore Tavashure and Paridzirai Mazhindu are the new Air Commodores while Sunboy Mafavuke, Bizeki Madzadzure and Darlington Mudoti were promoted to Group Captain.
Group Captain Mazhindu was promoted in absentia as she is serving external national duty. The President made the promotions in terms of the Defence Act (Chapter 11:02) Section 20, as read with Statutory Instrument 257 of 2020, Section 19c, Sub-section 2c, which reads: “His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces may, on the advice of the Minister of Defence, acting on the recommendations of the Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, reward any member for distinguished service or gallant conduct on active service by promoting an officer to a higher rank.”
The promotions are with effect from 26 November 2025. Conferring new badges of rank on the promoted officers, Commander AFZ Air Marshal Jacob John Nzvede said the promotions were a testimony to hard work and loyalty to national duty, reminding them that promotion comes with more responsibility.
“Today is yet another momentous occasion in the Air Force of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces has promoted two Group Captains to the rank of Air Commodore, three Wing Commanders to the rank of Group Captain and 16 Squadron Leaders to the rank of Wing Commander. Unfortunately, one of the newly-promoted Air Commodores, who is a lady, is away on another assignment,” he said.
“In line with military etiquette on investiture ceremonies, I have conferred ranks to the newly promoted. This is, indeed, a cause for celebration at both the organisation and individual levels. As you celebrate this achievement, I want to take this opportunity to remind you that promotion comes with higher responsibilities and expectations from both your superiors and subordinates.”
He said the role of the Air Force and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces at large was to create a peaceful environment conducive to investment and development. Giving a vote of thanks, Air Commodore Tavashure, who is seconded to the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development as Chief Director in the Minister’s office, said they would continue to be loyal to the Constitution and command establishment.
He thanked President Mnangagwa for the confidence he showed by elevating them to higher ranks. “We undertake to be always loyal to the Constitution and command establishment of the ZDF and at the same time we always undertake to serve the people of Zimbabwe. May I also take this rare opportunity, Commander Sir, to heartily thank you and your command element for tirelessly mentoring us throughout our military careers spanning years,” he said.
“It is through your efforts that we have got to where we are today, through your tireless and consistent guidance.”
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