By Political Reporter – President Emmerson Mnangagwa promoted 27 Air Force of Zimbabwe officers on Thursday, strengthening his hold on power by building a military loyal to his agenda.
Among those promoted were two Air Commodores, 11 Group Captains, and 16 Wing Commanders, though one Air Commodore and one Group Captain are currently on duty abroad.
The promotion ceremony took place at Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks in Harare, where Air Marshal John Jacob Nzvede emphasised the importance of performance-based appointments as a cornerstone of Vision 2030.
“The President and Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces has underscored performance-based appointments as key enablers in attaining Vision 2030,” Nzvede stated. “There is no room for chancers in the Air Force of Zimbabwe; the promoted officers must justify their elevation through exceptional performance.”
Nzvede further challenged the officers to tackle national challenges with innovation and leadership, signalling the Air Force’s critical role in Mnangagwa’s broader plans.
Mnangagwa’s moves to restructure the military reflect a broader strategy to consolidate power while neutralising potential threats, particularly those aligned with his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
Chiwenga, who spearheaded the 2017 military coup that ousted Robert Mugabe and installed Mnangagwa, reportedly had an agreement to succeed Mnangagwa after two terms.
However, Mnangagwa’s actions suggest plans to retain power indefinitely.
Following the coup, Mnangagwa systematically eliminated Chiwenga’s key military allies.
Major General Sibusiso Moyo, who announced the coup, and Perrence Shiri, the former Air Force Commander, both died under mysterious circumstances, leaving Chiwenga increasingly isolated.
Mnangagwa’s recent promotions appear aimed at building a military cartel loyal to him, sidelining officers with ties to Chiwenga.
This mirrors tactics used by his predecessor, Robert Mugabe, who relied on the military to consolidate power but ultimately fell victim to a coup.
As Mnangagwa strengthens his grip, his actions underscore Zimbabwe’s enduring political