Zim Now Reporter
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced major changes to the military command structure following the retirement of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander.
The changes elevate Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu to the rank of General and appoint Major General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi as the new Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army.
The appointments were confirmed in a statement released on November 19, 2025, by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr. Martin Rushwaya.
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General Emmanuel Matatu has been appointed Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, effective November 21, 2025.
The statement noted that the President, acting in terms of Section 216(2) of the Constitution and relevant provisions of the Defence Act, promoted Matatu to the rank of General and appointed him to lead the ZDF.
Matatu takes over from General Philip Valerio Sibanda, whose retirement was officially confirmed.
Following Matatu’s elevation, Major General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi has been promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army. His appointment takes effect on November 25, 2025.
Dr Rushwaya said the appointment follows Matatu’s promotion to the top ZDF position and is part of the structured succession within the military leadership.
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