President Mnangagwa has announced changes in the leadership of the country’s defence forces, with key promotions and appointments taking effect this month.
In terms of section 216(2) of the Constitution, read together with sections 7(1) and 8(2) of the Defence Act [Chapter 11:02], the President promoted Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu to the rank of General and appointed him Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces with effect from 21 November 2025.
The appointment comes following the retirement of outgoing Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander, General Philip Valerio Sibanda.
In a separate appointment made under section 216(2) of the Constitution and sections 11(1)(a) and 11(4) of the Defence Act [Chapter 11:02], the President promoted Major General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed him Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, effective 25 November 2025.
His appointment follows the elevation of outgoing Zimbabwe National Army Commander, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu, to the post of General and Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
