Was Col Baloyi Demoted, Frustrated Or Favoured?

BY DR MASIMBA MAVAZA | Zimbabwe has followed with interest the developments surrounding Colonel Miniyothabo “Minnie” Baloyi’s reassignment, sparking speculation. Examining this matter objectively, it’s likely a blessing in disguise.

When a soldier is transferred to the General’s pool, it means they’ve been reassigned to a holding unit or central manpower pool, often temporarily. This can happen for various reasons, such as awaiting further training or deployment, filling a skill gap, medical or administrative processing, or pending disciplinary action.

Colonel Baloyi has served with distinction, so it’s unlikely she’s in the pool for disciplinary reasons. Perhaps she’s pending retirement, but transferring her wasn’t the best move. As the Vice President’s spouse, she has national duties to fulfill, supporting her partner and undertaking engagements a sabbatical leave would have been more honourable than dragging her through the pool of shame.

The role of the Vice President’s spouse involves supporting official capacities, attending events, promoting national interests, and hosting visitors. Colonel Baloyi is the Second Lady and partner of a prominent statesman, General Constantino Chiwenga. Her reassignment may provide flexibility to engage in national duties and support her husband.

Some see this as victimisation or disrespect to General Chiwenga, questioning why sabbatical leave wasn’t considered instead of the “pool of shame”. However, this reassignment may be a genuine recognition of the tensions inherent in her role.

To Colonel Baloyi, it’s an opportunity to serve Zimbabwe differently, supporting her husband and representing the Vice President’s office with dignity. This isn’t an end, but a new chapter, allowing her to walk beside her husband and serve the nation.

“Accept it with pride,” the retired General writes, adding that Zimbabwe needs strong leaders, and behind every strong leader is a strong partner – that’s her calling now.

Should we believe that Temba Mliswa’s utterances have any bearing in this. Are we to believe that Temba Mliswa now tells the army as to who should be fired and who should be demoted.
We should not frustrate partners of those we do consider as our political rivals. We should be real Zimbabweans and be civil. Families should not be punished for our political beliefs.
Zimbabwe is the only country we can call ours in the whole world.

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