Online Reporter
Peter Matika, Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA)’s Bulawayo District has changed command hands with Colonel Lizwe Newman William Nyathi taking over from Colonel Collen Ncube.
The official change-of-command ceremony was held at Imbizo Barracks on the outskirts of Bulawayo on Thursday.
The ceremony that was presided over by ZNA Commander Lieutenant General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, marked another milestone in the army’s structured leadership succession programme aimed at ensuring continuity, professionalism and operational readiness.
Addressing officers and invited guests, Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi, who was the chief witnessing officer, said command changes are an integral part of the ZNA’s personnel management system, enabling officers to broaden their
leadership experience by serving in different operational environments while ensuring seamless continuity within the force.
He said transfers are guided by the army’s staffing requirements and strategic human resource development programme, which seeks to produce versatile and well-rounded commanders capable of responding to the evolving demands of modern military service. “Such changes in appointments help to expose officers to various diverse situations as they grow in their careers. This system of management helps to develop officers into versatile and all-round leaders capable of handling the ever-changing demands of the military profession,” said Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi.
He said the orderly transfer of command reflected the ZNA’s disciplined approach to succession planning, institutional continuity and operational preparedness, ensuring that leadership transitions are conducted without compromising the army’s effectiveness in executing its constitutional mandate.
Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi paid tribute to the outgoing commander, Col Ncube, for his dedicated service and exemplary leadership, saying his tenure had strengthened the district’s operational capacity while fostering productive working relationships with Government departments, traditional leaders, the business community and the public.
He commended Col Ncube’s commitment to duty and expressed confidence that his experience would continue to benefit the ZNA in his new appointment.
Welcoming Col Nyathi to his new post, Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi said he was confident the incoming commander possessed the leadership qualities, professionalism and experience required to consolidate the gains achieved by his predecessor while further enhancing Bulawayo District’s operational effectiveness.
He said the military leadership remained confident that the change of command would strengthen the district’s capacity to safeguard Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security while contributing to peace and stability.
The parade featured the traditional inspection of the guard, precision military drills and the formal signing and handover of command, symbolising the disciplined and orderly leadership transition that has long characterised the Zimbabwe National Army.
Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi said leadership transitions remain a cornerstone of the army’s institutional development, particularly as the ZNA continues to prioritise professionalism, operational readiness and stronger civil-military relations in support of national development and lasting peace.
The ceremony also reaffirmed the Zimbabwe National Army’s commitment to developing competent and adaptable military leaders through structured career progression, ensuring officers gain broad command and operational experience as they advance through the ranks.
