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Leadership

Commanders

Information and resources regarding Commanders within the Zimbabwe National Army. A historical timeline honoring those who have guided our forces with distinction.

Lt Gen Solomon Mujuru
verified Official Record
Lieutenant General

Lt Gen Solomon Mujuru

Born in 1945, Mujuru popularly known by his liberation name Rex Nhongo became the first Black commander of the ZNA. He is credited with successfully integrating three previously warring factions Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA), Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA), and the Rhodesian Security Forces into a singular national military. General Mujuru oversaw the structural stabilization of the national army throughout the 1980s and commanded ZNA deployments during the Mozambican Civil War. He retired in 1992 as a full General and entered politics before his death in 2011.
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Tenure
1980 to 1992
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Rank
Lieutenant General

Lieutenant General TRS Mujuru became the first Commander of the ZNA and served in that capacity until 1992 when he retired. Lieutenant General VMG Zvinavashe took over and served as the Commander of the ZNA up to 1994 when he was appointed Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces. Lieutenant General CGDN Chiwenga took over and served as the Commander of the ZNA from 1994 to 2004 when he was appointed Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces. Lieutenant General PV Sibanda took over command of the ZNA from 2004 and served in that capacity until 2018 when he was appointed Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces. Lieutenant General EAC Chimonyo took over and served as the Commander of the ZNA from 2018 until his untimely death in 2021. Lieutenant General D Sigauke took over Command in 2021 and served in that capacity until 2023. In 2023, Lieutenant General Sanyatwe took over Command of the army and served as the Commander until 2025. In 2025, Lieutenant General E Matatu took over Command until 2025 and handed over to the current Commander Lieutenant General Tapfumaneyi.