Harare – Vice President General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga has spoken of the profound personal loss he felt at the deaths of Lieutenant-General Sibusiso Moyo and Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri, describing their passing as one of the saddest chapters of his life. His comments come amidst growing unease within Zimbabwe’s political and military circles following a string of high-profile deaths, including at least 11 army generals in 2024 alone.
Chiwenga made the remarks at the wedding ceremony of Sibusiso Brendon Moyo, son of the late former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and his fiancée Tawana Mercy Gawaza, held in Harare on Saturday. The event was attended by a host of prominent figures, including Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Minister of Energy and Power Development July Moyo, Deputy President of the Senate Lieutenant-General (Retd) Mike Nyambuya, and service chiefs led by Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Emmanuel Matatu.
Addressing the gathering, Vice President Chiwenga paid tribute to his close relationship with the late SB Moyo, emphasising the bond that extended far beyond their professional duties. “I want to reflect a little on my relationship with the late former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Lieutenant-General Sibusiso ‘SB’ Moyo,” he said. “We enjoyed a cordial relationship, from our military service to public service. Our relationship was founded on mutual trust, respect and integrity.”
He continued, “It transcended our professional lives to brotherhood and we became family. I stand here today not only as guest of honour but as a father figure to Sibusiso and Tawana.”
Chiwenga also offered words of advice to the newlyweds, stressing the importance of mutual support, communication, and faith in building a strong and lasting marriage. “To our newlyweds, be each other’s strength in times of weakness. Celebrate your joys together. Comfort one another in sorrow and stand united through thick and thin, in both good times and bad,” he counselled.
He further urged them to surround themselves with positive influences, adding, “Marriage, much like life, will have its ups and downs. You will experience seasons of sunshine and seasons of storms. Always remember, with Christ at the centre of your marriage, no challenge is insurmountable.”
Drawing from scripture, Chiwenga stated, “As Philippians 4:13 assures us, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ Let this promise be your anchor in difficult times.” He emphasised the foundational principles of a successful marriage, saying, “Build your home on the solid pillars of love, trust and care. Let forgiveness flow abundantly, communication remain open and respect be mutual.”
“A happy family is created through daily acts of kindness, sacrifice and unwavering commitment. Always remember that marriage is a journey, not a destination,” he added.
The Vice President also acknowledged the role of the families in nurturing the couple, saying, “Today, we also take a moment to honour the families who have nurtured and guided Sibusiso and Tawana to this wonderful moment.”
“To the Moyo and Gawaza families, we celebrate your legacy as it continues through this union. May you find joy as you witness this new chapter unfold,” he concluded.
While Chiwenga’s heartfelt words offered solace to the Moyo family, the backdrop of his remarks is one of increasing anxiety within Zimbabwe’s political landscape. The deaths of SB Moyo and Perrance Shiri, both key figures in the 2017 coup that brought President Emmerson Mnangagwa to power, have raised questions about the stability of the current administration.
Adding to the disquiet is the sheer number of high-ranking military officials who have died since President Mnangagwa assumed office. The list includes:
- Minister of Foreign Affairs Lieutenant-General (rtd) Sibusiso Moyo
- Minister of Agriculture and Commander of the Air Force (rtd) Perence Shiri
- Chief of Staff and Lieutenant-General Douglas Nyikayaramba
- Commander of the Army Lieutenant-General Edzai Chimonyo
- Former Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Prisons Major-General (rtd) Paradzai Zimondi
- Permanent Secretary to Vice-President Chiwenga and Major-General (rtd) Godfrey Chanakira
- At least 11 generals who died in 2024 alone
In 2021, award-winning journalist Hopewell Chin’ono highlighted the issue, posting on social media:
“Covid-19 has claimed 5 Zimbabwean military generals.
Air Marshal Perence Shiri,
General Paradzai Zimondi,
General Collins Moyo,
General S.B Moyo and now
General Douglas Nyikayaramba.
Zimbabwe URGENTLY needs a health system that works for all, and not just the elites!
When everyone is healthy, chances are that the elites will not get infected as the chances are reduced!”
The concentration of deaths within the military has fueled speculation and concern, particularly given the military’s pivotal role in Zimbabwean politics. As one analyst noted, “Senior officers know that just as they launched him into power in the coup d’etat against Robert Mugabe in November 2017, they could move again.”
Indeed, eight years after the coup, Mnangagwa’s manoeuverings to stay in power are angering Chiwenga and other generals. The most significant constraint on President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s plan to extend his rule is the military.
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