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Was Col Baloyi Demoted, Frustrated Or Favoured? | Mavaza<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
BY DR MASIMBA MAVAZA | Zimbabwe has followed with interest the developments surrounding Colonel Miniyothabo \u201cMinnie\u201d Baloyi\u2019s reassignment, sparking speculation. Examining this matter objectively, it\u2019s likely a blessing in disguise.<\/p>\n
When a soldier is transferred to the General\u2019s pool, it means they\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n
Colonel Baloyi has served with distinction, so it\u2019s unlikely she\u2019s in the pool for disciplinary reasons. Perhaps she\u2019s pending retirement, but transferring her wasn\u2019t the best move. As the Vice President\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
The role of the Vice President\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Some see this as victimisation or disrespect to General Chiwenga, questioning why sabbatical leave wasn\u2019t considered instead of the \u201cpool of shame\u201d. However, this reassignment may be a genuine recognition of the tensions inherent in her role.<\/p>\n
To Colonel Baloyi, it\u2019s an opportunity to serve Zimbabwe differently, supporting her husband and representing the Vice President\u2019s office with dignity. This isn\u2019t an end, but a new chapter, allowing her to walk beside her husband and serve the nation.<\/p>\n
\u201cAccept it with pride,\u201d the retired General writes, adding that Zimbabwe needs strong leaders, and behind every strong leader is a strong partner \u2013 that\u2019s her calling now.<\/p>\n
Should we believe that Temba Mliswa\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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