Tinotenda Hove – President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has appointed Lieutenant General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi as the new Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), replacing Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu, who has been promoted to lead the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF).

In a notice issued by the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mnangagwa confirmed the appointment was made in accordance with constitutional and statutory requirements. The statement reads:

“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, acting in terms of section 216(2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe as read with sections 11(1)(a) and 11(4) of the Defence Act [Chapter 11:02], promoted Major General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed him Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army with effect from 25 November 2025.”

The reshuffle follows the elevation of Lt General Emmanuel Matatu to the rank of General and his appointment as Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, taking over from outgoing General Valerio Sibanda, who is stepping down.

The announcement was signed by Dr M. Rushwaya, Secretary to the President and Cabinet, on 19 November 2025.