WATCH LIVE as Gambakwe looks at reports that Commander Of the Zimbabwe Defence forces, Philip Valerio Sibanda, will be stepping down within the next 4 weeks. An announcement has already been made across all military structures within the past few weeks.
The commanders since the post’s inception after independence have been:
General Andrew “Sandy” Maclean
General Solomon Mujuru
General Vitalis Zvinavashe
General Constantino Chiwenga
General Philip Valerio Sibanda
General Philip Valerio Sibanda’s term is ending on November 23, 2025. Sources suggest a new commander may be appointed within the next few weeks, possibly by November 9, 2025.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa had previously extended General Sibanda’s term for another year, from December 24, 2024, to November 23, 2025. The upcoming change in leadership is part of broader realignments within Zimbabwe’s security sector.
General Sibanda is presently on leave. Upon his return, he is expected to oversee a hand-over take-over ceremony with his successor, potentially occurring by November 9th. Military drills are reportedly already underway in preparation for this event.
While the official replacement for General Philip Valerio Sibanda as Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces has not been announced, potential candidates are generally drawn from the highest ranks of the military command structure. Based on current positions, the frontrunners are considered to be:
Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu: The current Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA). He was appointed to this role in March 2025 and is viewed as a strong internal candidate due to his current command position and history as a respected liberation war veteran.
Air Marshal John Jacob Nzvede: The current Commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ). The top ZDF role has traditionally rotated between the army and air force commanders.
Lieutenant General David Sigauke: The Chief of Staff, General Staff, within the ZDF headquarters, holding one of the most senior staff positions in the defence forces.
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