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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 AN Sanyatwe
verified Official Record
Lieutenant General

Lt Gen AN Sanyatwe

Sanyatwe is a veteran of the liberation struggle who famously commanded the elite Presidential Guard brigade. Following a stint as Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Tanzania, President Mnangagwa recalled him to lead the ZNA in October 2023, serving until March 2025. Participated in the Second Congo War and spearheaded major domestic security operations. He had massive operational command over urban tactical security units and counter-insurgency training programs. He retired from military service in March 2025 and reassigned to a civilian government role as the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture.
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Tenure
Oct 2023 to Mar 2025
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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.