As the mantle of leadership changes within the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), the nation gets a closer look at the man now at the helm. In a recent interview, the new Commander opened up about his humble beginnings, his formative years in the liberation struggle, and his technologically driven vision for the future of the Zimbabwean military.

Key Highlights

 

  • A Lifetime of Service: Joining the liberation struggle at age 16, the Commander has known military life longer than civilian life.

  • Pan-African Experience: From training with the Zambian Army to establishing the Namibia Defence Force, his experience spans the region.

  • Modernization Mandate: A distinct shift in focus toward acquiring modern hardware and adapting to the technological realities of 21st-century warfare.

From Zhombe to the Frontlines

 

The General’s story begins in the Midlands Province. Growing up in Zhombe, he later moved to Bulawayo where his father worked for the Council for the Blind. However, his civilian life was cut short by the call of duty.

In 1976, while still a student at Tegwani, he made the life-altering decision to cross the border and join the liberation struggle. He was only 16 years old. “I’ve been a soldier all my life, really,” he reflected, noting that he has remained in uniform ever since that departure.

A Career Forged in Fire

 

Unlike many who received ad-hoc guerrilla training, the Commander revealed a background of formal military education early on. He trained alongside the regular Zambian Army at the Zambian Military Academy, earning his commission as an officer in 1978.

Since Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, his resume has read like a history of the region’s major conflicts. He has risen through the ranks while participating in every major campaign the ZDF has been involved in, including operations in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Notably, his expertise was recognized regionally when he was seconded to Namibia for four years. There, he played a crucial role in training and establishing the post-independence Namibia Defence Force, cementing his status as a veteran instructor and strategist.

The Future: Catching Up to Technology

 

Perhaps the most significant takeaway from the interview was his assessment of the current state of the ZDF. He was candid about the challenges ahead, specifically regarding the rapid evolution of global warfare.

“The nature of warfare is changing,” he stated. “Technology is playing a bigger role in the battlefield nowadays.”

He acknowledged that the military needs to “catch up” to assure the peace and security of the Zimbabwean people. His roadmap for the future involves two main pillars:

  1. Acquisition: Procuring the necessary hardware and “gadgets” to match potential adversaries.

  2. Adaptation: Training soldiers to use this new technology offensively and to defend against modern threats.

For the new Commander, the mission is clear: the ZDF must evolve from a force with a storied history into a modern, tech-savvy fighting force capable of facing contemporary threats.

Career Timeline

 

  • Mid-1970s: Attends school at Tegwani (Thekwane) High School.

  • 1976: Leaves Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) at age 16 to join the liberation struggle.

  • 1978: Commences officer training with the Zambian Army; commissioned as an Officer.

  • 1980: Integrated into the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) at independence.

  • 1980s – 1990s: Serves in various command and staff appointments; participates in the Mozambique Campaign.

  • Post-1990: Seconded to Namibia for four years to train the new Namibia Defence Force.

  • Late 1990s: Participates in the DRC Campaign.

  • Present Day: Appointed Commander, tasked with modernizing the ZDF.

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