Source: The Herald – Breaking news.
Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda (right) confers new rank insignia on Lieutenant- General Emmanuel Matatu (left) at Zimbabwe Defence Forces Headquarters in Harare yesterday. — Picture: Charles Muchakagara. 
Columbus Mabika-Herald Correspondent
Newly-promoted Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Matatu was yesterday conferred with insignia for his new rank at Defence Headquarters following his promotion and appointment by President Mnangagwa on Thursday.
His promotion from the rank of Major-General and subsequent appointment were with effect from Thursday.
The President made the promotion in terms of Section 216 (2), as read with Section 89 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and sections 11 (1) (a) and 11 (4) of the Defence Act.
The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces may, on the advice of the Minister of Defence, acting on the recommendations of the Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, reward any member for distinguished service or gallant conduct on active service by promoting an officer to a higher rank.
Commander ZDF General Philip Valerio Sibanda considered Maj-Gen Matatu suitable for promotion to the next higher rank.
The President, acting on the advice of Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, approved the promotion to the rank of substantive Lieutenant-General.
The President’s promotional citation reads “In terms of Section 216 (2) as read with Section 89 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and sections 11(1)(a) and 11(4) of the Defence Act, I appoint you, Major-General Emmanuel Matatu to the rank of Lieutenant-General and Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army. The appointment is with immediate effect.”
Conferring Lt-Gen Matatu with his new rank badges, Gen Sibanda said promotion came with more responsibilities.
“His promotion and appointment come with a lot of responsibilities. Commanding men is not a walk in the park, you are expected to give your best and ensure that the Zimbabwe National Army we know continues. I am looking forward to working with you. I want you to exercise firmness, fairness and discipline on the members of your force so that the army we know remains,” he said.
Lt-Gen Matatu said he was grateful to the President for his recognition in promotion and appointment.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde Mnangagwa for promoting me to the rank of Lieutenant-General and appointing me as Commander Zimbabwe National Army. My gratitude also goes to other members of the Presidium and you sir for the promotion you considered and the President acted on,” he said.
“I have no doubt of the magnitude of the task ahead of me of keeping the legacy of the Zimbabwe National Army and I know I am following the footsteps of some of our greatest commanders like you who have commanded the force ahead of me.”
As part of its military tradition, the ZDF is expected to conduct a handover and takeover parade between Lt-Gen Matatu and outgoing Army Commander Lt-Gen Nhamo Anselem Sanyatwe who has retired and has been appointed Sports, Recreation and Arts Minister.
The parade signifies change of command of the organisation.
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