HARARE – Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday witnessed the handover ceremony of Emmanuel Matatu as the new Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
President Mnangagwa, who is also the Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), presided over the handover parade at Charles Gumbo Barracks.
General Matatu who was recently promoted to the top post officially takes over from General Philip Valerio Sibanda who recently retired upon the expiry of his term of office after years of service.
General Matatu was promoted from Lieutenant General to the rank of General, while Lieutenant General Walter Tapfumaneyi assumes command of the Zimbabwe National Army, succeeding the former.
The parade was also attended by Vice President Rtd General Constantino Chiwenga who was surprisingly clad in full military gear.
The event featured General Sibanda’s farewell speech and salute, alongside General Matatu’s acceptance speech and the signing of the handover certificates.
In his farewell remarks, General Valerio Sibanda said he is leaving the ZDF with a clear conscience as he served the institution and the country to the best of his knowledge.
“I want to thank members of the ZDF who supported me during my service. I also want to thank President Mnangagwa who appointed me Commander of the ZDF,” he said.
“As I retire to civilian life, I will always take the ZDF as my second home. As the adage say, you can take the uniform out of a soldier, but you can never take the soldier out of me,” he said.
“I leave after 51 years in uniform. I served in different capacities, and I never put the ZDF or my country into disrepute. I have fought a good fight.”
General Matatu promises professionalism
In his acceptance speech, General Matatu stated that he will continue to ensure the ZDF remains disciplined and professional.
“I appreciate the trust shown in me. I remain committed to giving selfless service and uplifting our country to an upper-middle-class income economy,” he said.
After the handover, President Mnangagwa delivered his keynote address as the Chief Witnessing Officer in which he commended the two service chiefs as dedicated servants.
“Throughout his career, General Sibanda has always demonstrated unflinching loyalty and patriotism as well as unparalleled discipline and professionalism, both as a soldier and a son of Zimbabwe.
“He has consistently served with integrity, exhibiting ethics and values that are worthy of emulation by the rank and file across the Defence Forces,” said President Mnangagwa.
He challenged General Matatu to maintain the standards set by General Sibanda
“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,” said President Mnangagwa.
- additional report by The Herald
