Watch LIVE as Gambakwe looks at the return of Fadzayi Mahere to active politics with her first town hall meeting
Accountability Lab Zimbabwe is hosting a public townhall meeting titled “Clause by Clause: Unpacking the omnibus amendment,” scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 17:30 hrs. Held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel – Great Indaba, the event aims to provide a detailed analysis of proposed legislative changes, exploring what is being altered, what remains the same, and the implications for Zimbabwean citizens. The discussion will be moderated by Andy Hodges and features a diverse panel of legal and political experts, including Advocate Fadzayi Mahere, Senator Douglas Mwonzora, Professor Lovemore Madhuku, Dr. Babra Ontibile Bhebe, Beloved Chiweshe, and an invited government representative. According to the announcement, the police have been formally notified of the gathering, which aligns with Accountability Lab’s mission to support active citizenship and responsible governance.
Mnangagwa Makes More Military Changes
Total General-Level Changes: 5
Total Senior Officer Promotions: 43
Overall Total: 46 officers were promoted or moved since March 25, 2025.
March 2025: Brigadier General Cephas Gurira’s command rotation (post-Sanyatwe exit but within the same month).
21 November 2025: The official retirement of General Philip Valerio Sibanda (opening the top structure).
21 November 2025: The promotion/appointment of General Emmanuel Matatu as ZDF Commander.
24 November 2025: Matatu formally assumes command.
25 November 2025: The promotion/appointment of Lieutenant General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi as ZNA Commander.
26 November 2025: The promotion of 15 Lieutenant Colonels to Colonel.
9 December 2025: The conferment ceremony for the new Colonels.
11 December 2025: The promotion of 28 officers to Lieutenant Colonel.
December 2025: The elevation of Tendai Dzirutwe and Themba Mlambo to Major General.
In the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) hierarchy, Major General is a high-level “General Officer” rank, sitting in the top tier of the military command.
Where it sits in the hierarchy
It is a two-star rank that serves as the bridge between operational field command and the highest strategic leadership of the country.
General (Full General): The highest rank, currently held by the Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), General Emmanuel Matatu.
Lieutenant General: The second-highest rank, typically held by the Commander of the ZNA, currently Lt. Gen. Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi.
Major General: The third-highest rank. Officers at this level often serve as Chiefs of Staff (e.g., Chief of Staff General Staff or Quartermaster Staff) or specialized directors.
Brigadier General: The entry-level general officer rank (one-star), sitting just below Major General
Key Responsibilities
Command: In a field capacity, a Major General typically commands a division, which consists of roughly 6,000 to 25,000 troops.
Administration: In the ZNA, they often hold “Chief of Staff” roles, overseeing the daily administration, logistics, and planning for the entire army.
Equivalent Ranks: In the Air Force of Zimbabwe, the equivalent rank is Air Vice-Marshal.
There are roughly 10 to 12 permanent posts specifically designated for Major Generals, including the Chief of Staff General Staff (currently Major General Augustine Chipwere) and the Chief of Staff Quartermaster Staff (currently Major General Simo Maseko).
Recent Military Changes
In December 2025, two Brigadier Generals (Tendai Dzirutwe and Themba Mlambo) were elevated to Major General to fill vacancies left by retirements or the promotion of Asher Tapfumaneyi to Lieutenant General.
New ZDF Commander: General Emmanuel Matatu was promoted and appointed effective 21 November 2025. He formally assumed command at a ceremony on 24 November 2025.
New ZNA Commander: Lieutenant General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi was promoted and appointed effective 25 November 2025.
Retirement of Valerio Sibanda: General Philip Valerio Sibanda officially retired on 21 November 2025.
Cabinet Reassignment: Lieutenant General (Retired) Anselem Sanyatwe was retired as ZNA Commander and appointed as the Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture on 25 March 2025. He was formally sworn in on 27 March 2025.
Intelligence Leadership: Dr. Fulton Mangwanya was appointed as the Director-General of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) on 3 January 2025.
Police Leadership: Stephen Mutamba was appointed as the Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), effective 1 January 2025.
Officer Promotions (Colonels): 15 Lieutenant Colonels were promoted to the rank of Colonel on 26 November 2025, with their conferment ceremony held on 9 December 2025.
Officer Promotions (Lieutenant Colonels): 28 ZNA officers were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on 11 December 2025
Key Events for today
1. Burial of National hero, Brigadier General Samuel Mpabanga takes place today.
2. Mnangagwa In Marondera on Saturday
Top Trending News
1. Zimbabwe Air Bnb Owners ordered to register or face arrest.
2. Silas Chikwanda was appointed as the substantive Chief by the President of Zimbabwe on 28 November 2025. The installation has been met with significant resistance from members of the royal family, specifically Peter Chikwanda, who claims to be the rightful successor. Critics argue that the selection process bypassed customary law and ignored an unresolved High Court case. The installation of Silas Chikwanda as Chief Chikwanda on 13 February 2026 was largely boycotted by the Chikwanda clan, the Masvingo Provincial Assembly of Chiefs, and the National Council of Chiefs due to allegations of legal and customary violations. Silas—a Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) operative and aide to Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe—was imposed by the state rather than chosen by the clan. Chief Chitanga (Chairperson of the Masvingo Provincial Chiefs’ Council) and Chief Lucas Mtshane Khumalo (President of the National Council of Chiefs), both of whom cited a lack of constitutional consultation. Other prominent regional figures, including Chief Murinye, Chief Gutu, and Chief Musara, were also conspicuously absent.
3. Mafume celebrates Chines New year
4. High Court of Zimbabwe ruled on 17 February 2026 that former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi has a case to answer regarding allegations of criminal abuse of office. Justice Benjamin Chikowero dismissed Mzembi’s application for discharge at the close of the State’s case, stating there is sufficient evidence requiring the former minister to present his defence. The defence hearing is scheduled to proceed on 3 and 4 March 2026.
Business
Zimbabwe ordes all Air BnB owners to register or face arrest.
Africa
South Africa unemployment skyrockets
Notes
The dispute between journalist Prega Govender and UNISA centers on a 2026 report regarding a performance bonus awarded to Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Puleng LenkaBula.
The Allegations (Prega Govender / News24)
Undeserved Bonus: Govender reported that the VC received a R1.1 million bonus (bringing her total 2024 package to R6.4 million) despite the university facing a “plague” of academic dishonesty involving widespread AI cheating.
Operational Failures: The report highlighted financial losses from the suspension of “short learning programmes” and ongoing governance issues cited in previous independent assessments.
Lack of Accountability: Govender suggested the UNISA Council is failing its oversight duties by rewarding leadership while the institution’s core academic integrity is under threat.
The Response (UNISA)
“Gutter Journalism”: In a scathing official response, UNISA accused Govender of using “click bait” headlines and practicing “intellectual dishonesty” by taking facts out of context.
Standard Policy: The university clarified that performance bonuses are a standard institutional benefit extended to all qualifying staff, not just the VC.
Performance Success: UNISA defended the VC’s record, citing a climb in world university rankings (from 12th to 6th or 7th in SA), unqualified audits, and a healthy R22 billion reserve.
Misrepresentation of AI: The university argued that AI misuse is a global academic challenge and that Govender unfairly singled out UNISA and its VC for a problem affecting all higher education.
