Online Reporter
Columbus Mabika
Herald Reporter
THE Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Mnangagwa, has promoted Zimbabwe National Army Brigadier General Fidelis Mhonda to the rank of Major-General.
Accordingly, the Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Emmanuel Matatu, considered Brigadier-General Mhonda suitable for promotion, and recommended his elevation to Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.
Acting on the advice of Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri, President Mnangagwa consented to and approved the promotion of Brigadier-General Mhonda to the rank of Major-General.
The promotion is with effect from June 22, 2026. Major-General Mhonda was previously the Commander of the Presidential Guards Formation.
Conferring the new insignia of rank on Major-General Mhonda, General Matatu said the promotion was a testimony of hard work and loyalty to national duty.
“You have been persistent and consistent throughout your career and this is a well-deserved recognition,” he said.
Gen Matatu called on Major-General Mhonda to rise to the challenge and be exemplary.
“You will find you have less time to do your own things and more demands on you and on your time. And I would say you just have to rise to the challenge and perform more. I have no doubt that you are up to the task, and I believe you have what it takes to meet the challenges ahead,” he said.
Gen Matatu said technological advancement and artificial intelligence have become the order of the day for military establishments worldwide, hence the need to take these aspects seriously.
“We have to step up, retrain, re-equip and meet the challenges, build and maintain the appropriate capabilities to meet the requirements of our mandate and cope with the modern battlefield.
“We have to keep abreast of technological advances. There are many of these advances in all aspects of our profession,” he said.
Major-General Mhonda said he will continue to be loyal to the Constitution and the command establishment.
He thanked President Mnangagwa for the confidence he showed by elevating him to a higher rank.
“With the new rank, sir, I will take on greater responsibilities and I will do so with humility and determination. I look forward to continue contributing and add value to the organisation and help drive our shared goals forward,” Major-General Mhonda said.
