Mnangagwa Urges ZDF To Uphold Discipline, Professionalism As Matatu Takes Over From Sibanda

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) to uphold discipline and maintain the highest standards of professionalism.

Addressing a handover-takeover parade at Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare on Monday, 24 November, President Mnangagwa, who serves as Commander-in-Chief of the ZDF, witnessed General (Rtd) Phillip Valerio Sibanda hand over command to General Emmanuel Matatu. He said:

“I urge you to continue maintaining the discipline and professionalism that the ZDF is renowned for and ensure that there is continuity of the programmes and plans that your predecessor has been undertaking.

“To the officers, men and women of the ZDF, I urge you to remain disciplined and loyal as these qualities are the cornerstones of any military organisation.

“While we may have changes in leadership, the mission of the ZDF remains the same.

“I implore you to render the same support and professionalism to the new Commander as you have always done.

“This should ensure a smooth transition and the continued success of the ZDF”

Mnangagwa also urged the outgoing ZDF Commander to continue serving the nation in whatever capacity he can. He said:

“As Commander Defence Forces, I have worked closely with him for the last seven years.

“I want to thank General Sibanda for his service to Zimbabwe in various capacities mentioned.

“Going forward, I exhort you to continue to serve our country in whatever manner as you play your part in the building of our motherland, Zimbabwe. I wish you the very best in the years ahead.

“To incoming Commander, General Emmanuel Matatu, I want to first congratulate you on your promotion and appointment to the post of Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

“I am confident that you are equal to the task and that you will use your vast experience to effectively and professionally lead the ZDF as was the case with your predecessor.”

Sibanda enjoyed a distinguished military career spanning over 50 years. He served as Colonel Quartermaster Staff at Army HQ from 1981 to 1984, Commandant of the All Arms Battle School from 1984 to 1985, Deputy Commandant of the Zimbabwe Staff College from 1985 to 1987, and Commander of the Infantry Brigade from 1987 to 1990, among other positions.

In 1995, holding the rank of Major General, he was appointed Commander and Chief Military Observer of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission, a role he held for two years, before being assigned to the successor mission from 1997 to 1998.

General (Retired) Sibanda was promoted to Lieutenant General in 2004 and elevated to Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army the same year, serving in that capacity until 2017.

He was subsequently appointed Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in 2017, a position he held until his retirement.

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