THE Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reminded uniformed officers on the need to uphold discipline and loyalty.
Speaking at a handover-takeover parade where General (Rtd) Phillip Valerio Sibanda handed over the reigns to General Emmanuel Matatu at Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare on Monday, President Mnangagwa said discipline and loyalty remains the nerve centre of the ZDF.
“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 smooth transition and the continued success of the ZDF,” he said.
President Mnangagwa chronicled the illustrious career of the out-going ZDF Commander, before and after the country’s independence.
“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,” he said.
Outgoing Commander ZDF General (Retired) Phillip Valerio Sibanda inspected the parade for the last time, revealing the experience gained during the liberation struggle and international operations undertaken have been valuable as he served the nation.
“I leave the ZDF after 51 years in uniform. During this period, I served my country in different capacities and did so to the best of my ability. I therefore retire from the ZDF with my head held high, knowing that I have not brought disrepute to both the ZDF and the country and that I have not done anything to put our beloved country in harm’s way. Like Paul said at Second Timothy Chapter 4 verse 7 that “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith”, I think I can say the same to my contribution to the liberation of our country and its wellbeing thereafter,” he said.
Incoming Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Emmanuel Matatu pledged to serve Zimbabwe with distinction, paying homage to his predecessors.
“I am committed to preserve and contribute to the peace and stability of our beloved nation, and I thank you for being here as well, to the best of my abilities. I shall remain committed to uphold a high standard of integrity, professionalism, and dedication to duty, and serve your faith in our collective endeavour to uplift our country to an up-and-up income economy by 2030,” he said.
The outgoing Commander ZDF had an illustrious career spanning over 50 years, becoming Colonel Quartermaster Staff at Army HQ from 1981-1984, Commandant All Arms Battle School from 1984 to 1985, Deputy Commandant Zimbabwe Staff College from 1985 to 1987 and Commander Infantry Brigade from 1987 to 1990, among other posts.
In 1995, with the rank of Major General, he was appointed Commander and Chief Military Observer of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission for two years and was later appointed to the successor mission from 1997 to 1998.
General (Retired) Sibanda was appointed Lieutenant General in 2004 and elevated to Zimbabwe National Army Commander the same year, serving until 2017.
He was appointed Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces in 2017 and served in that capacity until retirement.
