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President Mnangagwa Taps Matatu as ZDF Commander

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President Mnangagwa poses with General Emmanuel Matatu at State House after conferring him as Commander of the ZDF. (Picture credit: InfoMinZw)

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday presided over the investiture ceremony of newly promoted General Emmanuel Matatu, who has been appointed Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF).

The ceremony was held at State House.

The promotion and appointment were made in terms of section 216(2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, read together with sections 7(1) and 8(2) of the Defence Act [Chapter 11:02], and take effect from 21 November 2025.

President Mnangagwa said General Matatu’s elevation reflected his confidence in the veteran soldier’s leadership record and commitment to national service.

“It is my distinct honour to extend this congratulatory message to you, our Commander of the ZDF,” President said.

“Your appointment to this apex position in our country’s military establishment attests to the confidence I have in your vast experience and professionalism as a career soldier and decorated veteran of the liberation struggle.”

He added that the values General Matatu had demonstrated over the years must continue to guide him in his new role.

“This loyalty, patriotism, honour and integrity you have always demonstrated must continue as you uphold the sacred oath to protect the Constitution and wholeheartedly serve our motherland Zimbabwe.”

President Mnangagwa also urged the new commander to align the military’s work with Zimbabwe’s development goals.

“I call upon you to remain guided by our national development mantra, nyika inovakwa, igotongwa, igonamatirwa nevene vayo. I look forward to working with you as you guide the ZDF to reach more milestones,” he said.

He further challenged Matatu to champion the modernisation of the defence forces.

“The duty before you is to accelerate the transformation of the ZDF into a world-class force that is a source of security, peace and stability not only for our country, but the SADC region and African continent and beyond.”

In his acceptance remarks, General Matatu expressed appreciation for the trust placed in him.

“I am greatly humbled by your bestowing on me the promotion of the rank of General and appointing me as Commander ZDF,” he said.

“I am elated and honoured to follow in the footsteps of great commanders who have led and shaped our esteemed ZDF to what it is today.”

He acknowledged the legacy of his predecessors, including the late General Vitalis Zvinavashe, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, and outgoing Commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda.

“I am alive, Your Excellency, to the expectations and responsibilities that go with this elevation. I am taking over the reins of the ZDF, a force with a rich legacy underpinned by the ethos of patriotism, loyalty, diligence, accountability and integrity.”

General Matatu now assumes command of the country’s highest military office as Zimbabwe accelerates efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities and regional security role.

Presidential Affairs

Precision Meets Pride: President’s Cup Day 2 Delivers High Stakes Action

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Game faces on: NetOne golfers await their moment on the tee.
Game faces on: NetOne golfers await their moment on the tee.

Day 2 of the President’s Cup delivered exactly what golf fans had hoped for , high-quality competition, emotional swings, and a few talking points that extended beyond the fairways.

After a tense opening day, both teams returned with renewed intensity, fully aware that Day 2 often shapes the trajectory of the entire tournament.

The format brought out aggressive play, with captains opting for bold pairings in both foursomes and fourballs, a move that paid off in some matches but backfired in others.

On the course, the level of golf remained exceptional.

Several matches went down to the final holes, with clutch putting and precise approach shots proving decisive.

The greens, however, became a central issue. Players from both sides were seen struggling with pace and reading subtle breaks, sparking quiet complaints about consistency.

A few missed short putts in key moments highlighted just how tricky conditions had become.

Weather also played its part. Changing wind conditions throughout the day made club selection unpredictable, forcing players to constantly adjust strategies.

While some adapted brilliantly, others faltered under pressure, leading to costly mistakes that shifted momentum between the teams.

Beyond the play itself, officiating decisions and rules interpretations began to draw attention.

 

There were moments of uncertainty regarding drop procedures and relief situations, leading to brief delays and visible frustration among players.

 

Though none escalated into major disputes, they added an extra layer of tension to an already competitive environment.

Team dynamics were another key storyline.

 

Certain pairings showed clear chemistry, feeding off each other’s energy and lifting their performances when it mattered most.

 

In contrast, a few partnerships appeared out of sync, struggling to find rhythm and ultimately dropping valuable points.

As the day progressed, momentum swung back and forth, keeping spectators on edge.

Every hole seemed to carry increased significance, and the pressure was evident in both the body language and decision-making of the players.

By the end of Day 2, the scoreboard reflected just how closely contested the competition remains.

 

Neither side has managed to establish a decisive lead, setting up what promises to be a thrilling continuation.

However, alongside the excitement, questions linger. Course conditions, officiating clarity, and player fatigue are all emerging as factors that could influence the outcome moving forward.

With everything still to play for, Day 3 now looms large.

If the intensity and drama of the first two days are anything to go by, the President’s Cup is far from decided , and the best may still be yet to come.

ALSO READ: President’s Cup Golf Tournament: A Beacon of Unity and Progress in Zimbabwean Sport

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Presidential Affairs

IN PICTURES: President Mnangagwa Tours Mabvuku Interchange

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Mabvuku Interchange
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accompanied by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Felix Mhona, toured the Mabvuku interchange along Mutare Road to assess ongoing works on the critical infrastructure project. During the site visit, the President inspected earthmoving progress, structural reinforcements, and drainage installations, receiving technical briefings from engineers on the project's timeline and safety standards. The tour underscores the Second Republic's commitment to modernising urban road networks, decongesting major arteries, and improving travel efficiency for commuters and motorists plying the busy Mutare Road corridor. (Pictures: By InfoZW)

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday toured the ongoing construction works at the Mabvuku Interchange along Mutare Road, assessing progress on one of the capital’s most anticipated traffic decongestion projects.

The President, accompanied by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Felix Mhona, inspected the scale of the earthworks, drainage systems, and the rising structural pillars that will define the new flyover.

President Mnangagwa (centre) points towards the eastern span of the interchange as Minister Felix Mhona (right) explains the project’s phasing.

 

The President walks along the compacted gravel shoulder of the interchange, wearing a hard hat and safety vest. He pauses to inspect the reinforced steel bars (rebar) of a support column, with Minister Mhona looking on.

 

A wide shot of the Mabvuku interchange site, showing the scale of excavation and the new road alignment taking shape against the backdrop of the high-density suburb.

His Excellency engages directly with site engineers and construction workers, receiving a technical briefing on the project’s timeline and the durability of materials being used.

The project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport, is part of ongoing efforts to modernise Harare’s road network and reduce bottlenecks at major intersections.

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Presidential Affairs

“You Made Us Proud”: President Mnangagwa Hails Chevrons

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President Emmerson Mnangagwa greets the Men’s National Cricket Team, the Chevrons, during a presentation ceremony at State House. The President honoured the team for their historic run to the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup, including a landmark victory over Australia, describing them as true ambassadors of Zimbabwe’s resilience and national pride. (Image: InfoZw)

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday honoured the men’s national cricket team, the Chevrons, at State House, praising their historic run to the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup and describing their victory over Australia as a moment that “captured the imagination of the cricketing world.”

Addressing players, officials, and dignitaries at a formal presentation ceremony, President  Mnangagwa said the team’s performance had demonstrated that Zimbabwe is “worthy of participating at the global stage across various sporting disciplines.”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa

“The historic victory over Australia stands out as a defining moment in the Chevrons’ campaign,” the President said.

“It was a victory that captured the imagination of the cricketing world and re-ignited national pride here at home. The result sent a strong message that Zimbabwe is capable of overcoming the most formidable teams.”

The Chevrons’ progression to the Super 8 stage marked one of the team’s best performances in recent global tournaments.

President Mnangagwa described the players as “true ambassadors of Zimbabwe’s national character of resilience and an inherent warrior spirit,” adding that they had helped positively profile “brand Zimbabwe” internationally.

The President also commended Zimbabwe Cricket for its development efforts, including new facilities in Victoria Falls, Necma Valley Country Club, and Masvingo Sports Club.

He congratulated the board for successfully hosting the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, calling it “a clear testament of our country’s organisational capacity and professionalism.”

President Mnangagwa announced that his government stands ready to provide guarantees and support for Zimbabwe to co-host the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup next year alongside South Africa and Namibia.

“This presents a historic opportunity to once again showcase on the global stage the unique hospitality of our people and passion for cricket,” he said.

The President urged the Chevrons to “go further, aim higher, write new chapters in Zimbabwean sport,” while thanking supporters in the stands and from the diaspora who “carried the spirit of Zimbabwe and created a home away from home atmosphere.”

 

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