Story by Wellington Makonese
AN investiture ceremony was held in Harare this Friday for Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu, following his promotion and appointment as Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday.
At the ceremony, Lieutenant General Matatu was conferred with his new insignia of rank, marking his official assumption of office.
Speaking at the event, Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Phillip Valerio Sibanda, underscored the importance of firmness and discipline in military leadership.
“We are here to congratulate the new army commander, it is an important honour and it is something that should be cherished. This promotion comes with a lot of responsibilities, and a lot is expected to give the best. Exercise firmness and fairness, firm discipline without losing our humanness,” Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Sibanda said.
Lieutenant General Matatu said he is aware of the task at hand.
“I express gratitude to the President. I have no doubt on the magnitude of the task ahead, following into the footsteps of past commanders, I am aware of the complexity of modern threats and the need to prepare for them and the imbalances between resources and threats, the need to strike a balance to have a workforce that is up to task. I intend to lead a professional force,” Lieutenant General Matatu said.
Before his new appointment, Lieutenant General Matatu was the Chief of Staff Administration at the army headquarters in Harare.
He replaces Lieutenant General (Rtd) Anselem Sanyatwe, who was sworn in as the Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture this Thursday.
