Harare, (New Ziana) — President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday promoted two senior army officers, and appointed them to new higher positions in the defence forces.

In a statement released on Wednesday, chief secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya said President Mnangagwa, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, promoted Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu to the rank of General and appointed him Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), with effect from 21 November 2025.

“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, acting in terms of section 216(2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe as read with sections 7(1) and 8(2) of the Defence Act [Chapter 11:02], promoted Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu to the rank of General and appointed him Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces with effect from 21 November 2025.

“The appointment follows the retirement of outgoing Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda,” said Dr Rushwaya.

In a related development, President Mnangagwa also promoted Major General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed him Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), effective 25 November 2025.

This elevation, made under section 216(2) of the Constitution and sections 11(1)(a) and 11(4) of the Defence Act, follows the promotion of Lieutenant General Matatu to his new role as Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

The appointments mark an important transition within Zimbabwe’s military leadership, ensuring continuity in command while ushering in a new strategic direction under fresh stewardship.

Further details on handover arrangements and formal investiture ceremonies are expected to be announced in due course.
New Ziana