Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira, Senior Zimpapers Reporter
ZIMBABWE Defence Forces (ZDF) Commander-in-Chief, President Mnangagwa, has urged members of the military to uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism, emphasising that the institution’s core mission remains unchanged despite leadership transitions.
The President made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at the handover-takeover parade for the ZDF Commandant at Charles Gumbo Barracks. The ceremony marked the official assumption of command by the newly appointed ZDF Commander, General Emmanuel Matatu, following the retirement of General Phillip Valerio Sibanda.
General Matatu’s appointment was accompanied by his promotion from Lieutenant General to full General.
In his address, President Mnangagwa stressed that while leaders may change, the sacred duty of the ZDF to protect the nation’s sovereignty and constitutional order is perpetual.
“I urge you to continue maintaining the discipline and professionalism that the ZDF is renowned for and ensure continuity of the programmes and plans your predecessor initiated. To the officers, men and women of the ZDF, remain disciplined and loyal — these qualities are the cornerstones of any military organisation.
“While leadership may change, the mission of the ZDF remains the same. I implore you to render the same support and professionalism to the new Commander as you have always done. This will ensure a smooth transition and the continued success of the ZDF,” he said.
The President described General Sibanda as a patriotic cadre who served the ZDF and the nation with distinction.
“The outgoing Commander, General Sibanda, has served our great nation in the military in various capacities from 1974 to date — a period of 51 years.
“Throughout his career, General Sibanda demonstrated unflinching loyalty, patriotism, and unparalleled discipline and professionalism, both as a soldier and as a son of Zimbabwe. He consistently served with integrity, exhibiting ethics and values worthy of emulation across the Defence Forces,” said President Mnangagwa.
He urged General Sibanda to continue serving the country in other capacities.
“Going forward, I exhort you to continue to serve our country in whatever manner as you play your part in building our motherland, Zimbabwe. I wish you the very best in the years ahead. Let me also take this opportunity to thank Mrs Sibanda and the entire Sibanda family for your sacrifices and unwavering support throughout his career in service to our nation,” he said.
Turning to General Matatu, President Mnangagwa expressed confidence in his leadership.
“To the incoming Commander, General Emmanuel Matatu, I congratulate you on your promotion and appointment as Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. I am confident that you are equal to the task and will use your vast experience to lead the ZDF effectively and professionally, as your predecessor did,” he said.
The President also highlighted key milestones in General Sibanda’s illustrious career, including his role in the liberation struggle from 1974 to 1980, where he served as Head of Combat Intelligence in the former ZIPRA High Command in 1979. Post-independence, he held numerous strategic positions, including Liaison Officer for Mashonaland provinces, Commandant of the Zimbabwe Staff College, Commander of 4 Infantry Brigade, and later Chief of Staff roles.
Internationally, General Sibanda served as Commander and Chief Military Observer for UN missions in Angola (UNAVEM III and MONUA) between 1995 and 1998. He also commanded Operation Sovereign Legitimacy in the Democratic Republic of Congo under SADC Allied Forces from 2002 to 2004.
Promoted to Lieutenant General in 2004, he became Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, a position he held until 2017 before assuming the role of Commander Defence Forces — a post he held until his retirement.
“As Commander Defence Forces, I have worked closely with him for the last seven years. I want to thank General Sibanda for his service to Zimbabwe in the various capacities mentioned,” said President Mnangagwa.
