Online Reporter
Good morning, and welcome to our live coverage of a significant event in Zimbabwe’s military history.
Today, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is also the Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), will preside over the handover parade at Charles Gumbo Barracks.
This ceremony marks the formal transition of command as General Emmanuel Matatu takes over the reins from General Philip Valerio Sibanda, who is retiring after years of dedicated service.
In a notable reshuffle, General Matatu has been promoted from Lieutenant General to the rank of General, while Lieutenant General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi will assume command of the Zimbabwe National Army, succeeding General Matatu.
Both leaders bring extensive experience and will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of Zimbabwe’s military.
Today’s event will feature General Sibanda’s farewell speech and salute, alongside General Matatu’s acceptance speech and the signing of the handover certificates.
President Mnangagwa will also deliver a keynote address as the Chief Witnessing Officer.
Join us as our Senior Reporter brings you live updates from this important ceremony celebrating leadership and commitment to national defense.
Commander in Chief arrives
Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Force, President Mnangagwa has arrived at Charles Gumbo barracks to preside over the handover parade of the ZDF Commandant.
The event is also being attended by Vice President General Constantino Chiwenga, who is in full military fatigue.
General Chiwenga was the ZDF Commander before General Sibanda came in.
General Sibanda inspects parade
The national anthem has been played to signal the commencement of proceedings.
General Sibanda is now inspecting the parade mounted by members of the ZDF.
Scenes at the parade
I fought a good fight: General Sibanda
Outgoing Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda has said he is leaving the organisation with a clear conscience as he served the institution and the country to the best of his knowledge.
In his farewell address, General Sibanda said he will always consider the ZDF as his second home.
General Sibanda took the audience down memory land as he outlined his military history from the time he joined the liberation struggle, and when he was attested into the ZDF, up until his retirement today after serving for 51 years.
“I want to thank members of the ZDF who supported me during my service. I also want to thank President Mnangagwa who appointed me Commander of the ZDF,” he said.
“As I retire to civilian life, I will always take the ZDF as my second home. As the adage say, you can take the uniform out of a soldier but you can never take the soldier out of me,” he said.
“I live after 51 years in uniform. I served in different capacities and I never put the ZDF or my country into disrepute. I have fought a good fight.”
ZDF new Commander takes over
Outgoing ZDF Commander, General Philip Valerio Sibanda has officially handed over the reigns to incoming Commander, General Emmanuel Matatu at a colourful ceremony held at Charles Gumbo barracks.
The event was characterised by a flypast of two jets from the Air force of Zimbabwe, with one changing course along the way to signal General Sibanda’s departure.
The other maintained a straight trajectory, showing the continued service of the ZDF.
The two Generals exchanged ZDF colours before signing handover and takeover certificates in the presence of Commander in Chief, President Mnangagwa, who was the Chief Witnessing Officer.
General Matatu pledges selfless service
Incoming Zimbabwe Defence Commander, General Emmanuel Matatu has pledged to build on the successes already achieved by his predecessor, General Philip Valerio Sibanda
In his acceptance speech, General Matatu stated that he will continue to ensure the ZDF remains disciplined and professional.
“I appreciate the trust shown in me. I remain committed to giving selfless service and uplifting our country to an upper-middle-class income economy,” said General Matatu.
“I want to thank General Sibanda, who has set high standards. l hope to build on what he has already done. As I accept this responsibility, I will follow in the footsteps of other commanders, such as General Chiwenga and General Sibanda. They mentored me and tutored me in my various capacities in the ZDF.”
General Philip Valerio Sibanda served ZDF with dignity: President
Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander in Chief, President Mnangagwa has commended outgoing ZDF Commander, General Philip Valerio Sibanda, for his loyalty and patriotism in serving the institution for 51 years before his retirement.
Delivering his keynote address during the handover takeover parade, President Mnangagwa said General Sibanda served the institution with dignity.
“Throughout his career, General Sibanda has always demonstrated unflinching loyalty and patriotism as well as unparalleled discipline and professionalism, both as a soldier and a son of Zimbabwe.
“He has consistently served with integrity, exhibiting ethics and values that are worthy of emulation by the rank and file across the Defence Forces,” said President Mnangagwa.
He challenged General Matatu to maintain the standards set by General Sibanda
“I am confident that you are equal to the task and that you will use your vast experience to effectively and professionally lead the ZDF as was the case with your predecessor,” said President Mnangagwa.
A new era begins
A vote of thanks by the Secretary for Defence, Mr Aaron Nhepera, marked the end of the programme..
As part of this solemn moment, the national anthem was played, resonating with pride and unity among the gathered audience of military personnel and dignitaries.
