Nyore Madzianike and Remember Deketeke

THE Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Mnangagwa, yesterday adorned newly-appointed Commander of the ZDF, Emmanuel Matutu, with epaulettes bearing the insignia of a full General following his promotion last month.

This came as the President enjoined Gen Matatu to remain abreast of global security developments, describing his elevation to the summit of the country’s military establishment as a clear demonstration of trust in his professionalism, leadership and long service.

“Your appointment to this apex position in our country’s military establishment attests to the confidence I have in your vast experience and professionalism as a career soldier and decorated veteran of the liberation struggle.

“The loyalty, patriotism, honour and integrity you have always demonstrated must continue as you uphold the sacred oath to protect the Constitution and whole-heartedly serve our motherland, Zimbabwe.

“You take over the reins of an organisation with a renowned legacy and history of achievements as a progressive and resilient force in our region and beyond,” he said during a ceremony held at State House in Harare.

Gen Matatu, the President said, was assuming command of a force built on strong foundations by his predecessors as evidenced by Zimbabwe’s effective participation in peacekeeping, conflict prevention, and resolution.

However, he cautioned that the ZDF now faced new and emerging security dynamics.

“Undoubtedly, however, there are new and emerging security trends that the ZDF must be able to deal with. These include the changing nature of warfare, particularly the impact of technology, coupled with the looming threats of terrorism, among others.

“I expect you to drive the necessary training, new initiatives and innovations to ensure that the ZDF meets the evolving needs.” 

President Mnangagwa encouraged Gen Matatu to consolidate the Defence Forces into a highly efficient and adaptable institution that maintains strong relations with partners, stakeholders and the citizenry.

He emphasised that the military must contribute to national development.

“Partnerships and synergies with other regional and international institutions remain critical to advance the mandate and interoperability of the Defence Forces.

“In this regard, I call upon you to remain guided by our national development mantra, Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhu-le-ke-lwe ngabanikazi balo,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said he looked forward to working with Gen Matatu as he leads the Defence Forces to new milestones.

“You must do your part to protect the shared identity that past and present generations have built.

“The duty before you is to accelerate the transformation of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces into a world-class force that is a source of security, peace, and ability, not only for our country, but for the SADC region, African continent and beyond.

“In doing so, I exhort you to uphold utmost discipline, unity, professionalism and loyalty within the Defence Forces,” he said.

The President assured the new ZDF commander that Government would continue supporting the military.

“We will work together to consolidate the tradition of peace, unity, security and stability.

“Ultimately, our collective efforts must guarantee the development, growth, prosperity and empowerment of the people of our motherland, Zimbabwe,” he said.

President Mnangagwa expressed confidence that Gen Matatu would rise to the challenge, and called on his family, ministries and other sectors to support him.

In his acceptance remarks, Gen Matatu said he was humbled by his promotion and pledged to follow in the footsteps of commanders who shaped the ZDF.

He commended Vice President Retired General Dr Constantino Chiwenga, his predecessor Retired General Phillip Valerio Sibanda and the late national hero Rtd Gen Vitalis Zvinavashe for their leadership over the years.

“I am aligned, Your Excellency, to the expectations and responsibilities that go with this elevation. I am taking over the reins of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, a force with a rich legacy, underpinned by the ethos of patriotism, loyalty, diligence, accountability and integrity.

“And these enduring values that we inherit from our time during the liberation struggle remain a torch whose light shall guide us into the future.

“As you and the political leadership strive for a nation to attain a middle income economy by 2030, we as the ZDF shall conform and support this vision to its fruition,” he said.

Gen Matatu pledged to modernise the force and embrace evolving technologies.

“I am aware, Your Excellency, that we are or we have to accelerate our efforts in this direction, and we have to catch up with what is going on around us.

“In that respect, Your Excellency, I pledge to uphold the vision of my predecessors, that of modernising and pursuing excellence and professionalism within the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

“As I embark on my duties in this new rank and appointment, I promise to remain guided and to act within the mandate as given by the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

“I will be guided by you, Your Excellency, and by the Government of Zimbabwe in everything that I do,” he said.

The investiture ceremony was attended by Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, service chiefs and Cabinet Ministers.

Later in the day, Gen Matatu invested Lieutenant General Tapfumaneyi with the insignia of his new rank as the Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) during a ceremony held at Defence House.

The investiture follows the elevation of Lt Gen Matatu to the rank of General and his appointment as the Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces by President Mnangagwa.

Gen Matatu said the promotion was a clear recognition of Lt Gen Tapfumaneyi’s dedication, hard work and unwavering commitment to the nation’s defence and security, noting that the new Commander’s long record of service and strategic leadership made him a fitting choice to lead the ZNA.

“I am greatly honoured to confer upon you this prestigious rank,” Gen Matatu said. “Your promotion is a celebration of years of service to the nation, your sacrifices and your unrelenting pursuit of excellence. You have consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and loyalty.”

He highlighted Lt Gen Tapfumaneyi’s extensive career, which began with the formation of the ZNA, saying his experience in both military service and senior Government roles had equipped him with valuable insights that would guide the army into a new chapter.

Gen Matatu urged the new Commander to continue inspiring the force to uphold discipline, professionalism and service to the nation.

Lt Gen Tapfumaneyi expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for the confidence placed in him, saying he was greatly humbled to assume leadership of the country’s land forces.

“I am delighted and honoured to follow in the footsteps of great commanders who have shaped the esteemed Zimbabwe National Army into what it is today,” he said.

Lt Gen Tapfumaneyi paid tribute to his predecessors, including Vice President Retired General Dr Constantino Chiwenga, Rtd General Philip Valerio Sibanda, the late Lt Gen Edzai Chimonyo, Rtd General David Sigauke, Lt Gen (Retired) Anselem Sanyatwe and Gen Matatu.

He pledged to uphold the values of patriotism, loyalty, diligence, accountability and integrity — principles rooted in the liberation struggle and still guiding the ZNA’s mission today.

“I pledge to uphold the solid foundation you have laid, making the Zimbabwe National Army a formidable, hard-hitting force in defence of our motherland,” Lt Gen Tapfumaneyi said.

“I will pursue my duties within the mandate guided by the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Defence Act.”