Online Reporter
Columbus Mabika
LIEUTENANT-General Emmanuel Matatu, the newly promoted Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), was yesterday adorned with his new badges of rank at Defence Headquarters, following his promotion and appointment by President Mnangagwa on Thursday.
His promotion from Major General and subsequent appointment took effect on March 27, 2025.
The President’s decision was made in accordance with section 216 (2), as read with section 89 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, and sections 11 (1) (a) and 11 (4) of the Defence Act (Chapter 11:02), which empower the President, on the advice of the Minister of Defence and recommendations of the Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, to reward distinguished service or gallant conduct with promotion to a higher rank.
Accordingly, Commander ZDF, General Philip Valerio Sibanda, deemed Major-General Matatu suitable for promotion to the next rank.
President Mnangagwa, acting on the advice of the Minister of Defence, Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, consented to and approved the promotion of Major General Matatu to the substantive rank of Lieutenant General.
The President’s promotional citation read: “In terms of Section 216 (2) as read with section 89 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and sections 11(1)(a) and 11(4) of the Defence Act (Chapter 11:02), I appoint you, Major-General Emmanuel Matatu, to the rank of Lieutenant-General and Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army. The appointment is with immediate effect.”
Conferring Lieutenant-General Matatu with his new rank badges, General Sibanda stressed that promotion brought increased responsibilities.
“His promotion and appointment come with significant responsibilities. Commanding men is no easy task. You are expected to give your utmost and ensure the continued excellence of the Zimbabwe National Army. I look forward to working with you. I urge you to exercise firmness, fairness, and discipline among your force so that the army we know remains strong,” he stated.
In his vote of thanks,-Lieutenant General Matatu expressed his gratitude to the President for the recognition of his promotion and appointment.
“I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde Mnangagwa, for promoting me to the rank of Lieutenant-General and appointing me as Commander Zimbabwe National Army. My gratitude also extends to other members of the presidium and to you, sir, for the promotion you recommended and the President acted upon.
“I am fully aware of the magnitude of the task ahead in maintaining the legacy of the Zimbabwe National Army, and I recognise that I am following in the footsteps of esteemed commanders like yourself, who have led this force before me,” he said
In accordance with military tradition, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces is expected to conduct a handover and takeover parade between Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Matatu and the outgoing Nhamo Anselem Sanyatwe, who has been appointed Minister of Sports, Arts, Recreation and Culture. The parade signifies the formal transfer of command of the organisation.
Changes in appointments are crucial within the ZDF, as they expose officers to diverse situations and enhance their command responsibilities.
