Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Commander Phillip Valerio Sibanda is set to retire from his post on November 23, 2025, marking the end of his extended term as head of the country’s armed forces. His contract, extended for a year by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has been at the centre of legal and political debate due to Sibanda’s age and statutory retirement regulations.
Sibanda, who will turn 71 in December, has commanded Zimbabwe’s military since 2017, following the elevation of Constantino Chiwenga to the vice presidency after leading the military coup that ousted former President Robert Mugabe. His leadership has coincided with a period in which the military has maintained a prominent political role, deeply entwined with the ruling Zanu PF party.
Controversy arose last year when Sibanda was reappointed, despite exceeding the statutory retirement age of 70. Lawyers and civil society figures criticised President Mnangagwa’s decision to extend an already expired term, describing it as “flawed” and “an absurdity.” Nonetheless, the extension has allowed Sibanda to remain in office, overseeing military operations and maintaining balance among competing factions within the defence forces.
A formal handover ceremony is scheduled for November 24, though questions about Sibanda’s future role and the identity of his successor remain unresolved. There has been speculation that Sibanda could be elevated to the vice presidency. However, such a move would require a vacancy, potentially necessitating the removal of either Chiwenga or Mnangagwa’s other deputy, Kembo Mohadi, to accommodate him.
Precedent suggests that the next ZDF commander could be Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu, who was appointed Zimbabwe National Army commander in March 2025. Yet, at 72 years old, Matatu exceeds the retirement age, raising questions about his long-term suitability and hinting that he too could soon exit. Should Matatu step aside, Major General Walter Tapfumaneyi, appointed chief of staff in May 2025 after leaving his post as deputy director general of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), could emerge as a prime candidate.
ZDF Commander Phillip Valerio Sibanda to Exit, Succession Speculations Intensify
Another wildcard in the succession calculus is Gatsha Mazithulela, the former CIO deputy director general and chemical scientist currently serving as the president’s drug tzar. Unlike Tapfumaneyi, Mazithulela is not a career soldier, but his administrative expertise and previous experience as vice chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology could make him an attractive choice for Mnangagwa, particularly if the president prioritises loyalty and managerial skills over traditional military credentials.
The changing of command at the apex of Zimbabwe’s military is far from a routine administrative procedure. Since independence in 1980, the armed forces have been deeply intertwined with politics, functioning not only as a security institution but also as a critical lever of power for Zanu PF. Senior military officers have long maintained that they would not salute anyone without liberation war credentials—a stance that has shaped political norms for more than two decades.
The military has also wielded considerable influence during elections. Opposition parties and civil society groups have frequently accused the armed forces of voter intimidation, directing ruling party structures, and guiding state institutions behind the scenes. In 2008, military intervention followed the first round of presidential voting, when the late opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai defeated Mugabe, leading to a violent runoff that forced Tsvangirai to withdraw. The 2017 coup that removed Mugabe further cemented the military as kingmaker, with generals framing the takeover as a defence of the revolution and the ruling party.
Since assuming office, President Mnangagwa has relied on the loyalty of key military figures to consolidate his authority. Control over the command structure is central to managing Zanu PF’s internal succession battles, particularly as the party navigates plans for constitutional amendments and a potential extension of Mnangagwa’s rule beyond 2028. Analysts suggest that Mnangagwa has sought to sideline generals perceived to be loyal to Chiwenga, who opposes moves by the president’s allies to secure prolonged tenure.
The appointment of Sibanda’s successor will not only determine the military’s internal balance but will also carry significant implications for Zimbabwe’s political trajectory. As Zanu PF approaches its elective congress in 2027 and general elections in 2028, the choice of the next ZDF commander could influence factional alignments, policy priorities, and the party’s broader strategic direction.
For now, the nation awaits the formal transition, with observers closely monitoring both Sibanda’s exit and the intricate political manoeuvring surrounding his successor. The forthcoming changes at the top of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces will undoubtedly shape the intersection of military influence and political power for years to come.
Source- Bulawayo24
