By Loyd Matare
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has made sweeping appointments at the top of Zimbabwe’s defence establishment, promoting two senior officers in moves effected between 21 and 25 November 2025, according to a statement by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya.
Rushwaya said the President, acting in terms of section 216(2) of the Constitution and relevant provisions of the Defence Act, promoted Major General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed him Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), effective 25 November 2025.
“This appointment follows the promotion of outgoing Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu, to the post of General and Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces,” Rushwaya said.
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In a separate decision, President Mnangagwa also promoted Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu to the rank of General and appointed him Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) with effect from 21 November 2025.
Rushwaya said this second appointment was made in terms of section 216(2) of the Constitution, read with sections 7(1) and 8(2) of the Defence Act.
“The appointment follows the retirement of outgoing Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda,” he said.
The changes mark one of the most significant military transitions in recent years, ushering in new leadership at both the ZNA and ZDF.
