President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), has promoted Major General Emmanuel Matatu to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed him as the new Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA).
This announcement was made by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya, in a statement issued on Thursday, 27 March 2025. Said Rushwaya:
<blockquote>
His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, acting in terms of section 216(2) as read with section 89 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and sections 11(1)(a) and 11(4) of the Defence Act (Chapter 11:02), has appointed Major General Emmanuel Matatu to the rank of Lieutenant General and Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army with immediate effect.
</blockquote>
Lieutenant General Matatu replaces Lieutenant General (Rtd) Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, who was sworn in as the new Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture earlier on Thursday.
On Tuesday, 25 March, President Mnangagwa retired Sanyatwe from the military and named him the new Minister of Sport, taking over from Kirsty Coventry, who recently became president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Matatu, who was previously the ZNA Chief of Staff (Administration), has climbed the ranks in the military. In 2021, he was promoted from Brigadier-General to Major-General when Lieutenant General David Sigauke became the ZNA commander.
His appointment is part of a series of leadership changes within the army. Sigauke took over from the late Lieutenant General Edzai Chimonyo, who passed away in July 2021.
Chimonyo had succeeded General Philip Valerio Sibanda in 2017, when Sibanda was appointed commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF).
Sibanda replaced retired General Constantino Chiwenga, who is now the Vice-President of Zimbabwe.
Matatu is a former ZPRA veteran. He attended Thekwane High School in Plumtree and trained at the Zambian Military Academy, Kohima, during the liberation struggle.

Pindula News

President Mnangagwa promoted Major General Matatu to Lieutenant General and made him the new Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army. Matatu replaces Sanyatwe, who became the Minister of Sport. Matatu used to be the ZNA Chief of Staff before his promotion. There have been other leadership changes in the army before Matatu's appointment. Matatu is a former ZPRA veteran and trained at the Zambian Military Academy during the liberation struggle.

Lieutenant General Matatu Assumes Command Of The Zimbabwe National Army

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, has promoted six Colonels in the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) to the rank of Brigadier-General.
The President made the promotions in terms of the Defence Act (Chapter 11:02) Section 20, as read with Statutory Instrument 257 of 2020, Section 19c, Sub-section 2c, which reads:
<blockquote>
His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces may on the advice of the Minister of Defence, acting on the recommendations of the Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, reward any member for distinguished service or gallant conduct on active service by promoting an officer to a higher rank.
</blockquote>
The six new Brigadier-Generals promoted effective December 16, 2024, are Oscar Tshuma, Raban Nikisi, Benjamin Sabata, Passmore Taruodzera, Million Ndlovu, and Lawrence Munzararikwa.
During the badge conferment ceremony at Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks in Harare on Friday, Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe, stressed the military’s responsibility to combat the growing issue of drug and substance abuse, labelling it a significant national security threat. He said:
<blockquote>
In addition to the challenges of training and operational readiness, we must also confront the scourge of drug and substance abuse.
The entire nation is grappling with the scourge and our organisation has not been spared.
The threat of drug and substance abuse is a challenge we cannot continue to overlook. It undermines the very foundations and values of military effectiveness and the trust placed upon us by the entire nation.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Brig-Gen Sabata was assigned to the position of Brigadier General Quarter Master Staff at Army Headquarters.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Emmerson Mnangagwa promoted six Colonels in the Zimbabwe National Army to Brigadier-Generals. The promotions were based on good service and bravery in battle. The new Brigadier-Generals are Oscar Tshuma, Raban Nikisi, Benjamin Sabata, Passmore Taruodzera, Million Ndlovu, and Lawrence Munzararikwa. The army's Commander said the military must also fight against drug abuse, which is a big problem in the country. Brig-Gen Sabata now has a new role at Army Headquarters.

Mnangagwa Promotes Six Army Colonels To Brigadier General

The Masvingo City Council is considering enlisting the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) to address a growing issue with stray dogs, following reports of 87 residents being bitten since the start of the year.
The rise in dog bite incidents has raised fears of a potential rabies outbreak, alarming city officials.
This week, the council discussed a recommendation from the Health, Housing and Environmental Committee to involve the army in controlling the surge of dog bites.
Mayor Councillor Alec Tabe indicated that the recommendation was thoroughly debated but ultimately sent back to the committee for further consideration. Said Tabe (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/masvingo-city-mulls-roping-in-army-to-kill-stray-dogs/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
The matter (of roping army to kill stray dogs) yes was debated but it was felt that it is outside the army’s constitutional mandate to do so and the matter was subsequently sent back to committee without adoption.
</blockquote>
The mayor suggested that it would be ideal for the city council to engage the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Masvingo to address the issue.
However, he acknowledged that the SPCA is currently under-resourced for such a task. As a result, the council plans to devise an alternative strategy to effectively manage the stray dog problem.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s Disease Surveillance Report for the week ending October 13, 2024, revealed that there were 604 reported dog bite cases, with no fatalities, during the week under review.
Among these cases, 113 were attributed to vaccinated dogs, 105 to unvaccinated dogs, and 386 involved dogs of unknown vaccination status.
The highest number of dog bite incidents were reported in Mashonaland East Province (114 cases) and Masvingo Province (87 cases).
Overall, the cumulative total for dog bites stands at 22,383 cases, with no reported deaths.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Masvingo City Council is thinking about using soldiers to help with a problem of stray dogs in the city. They are worried about people getting bitten and getting sick. The council talked about this plan, but some people think it's not the right thing to do. They might ask a group called the SPCA to help instead, but they need more resources. In a recent report, over 600 cases of dog bites were recorded, but no one died. The most cases were in two provinces in Zimbabwe. The council is still trying to figure out the best way to solve this problem.

Masvingo Council May Call On Army To Kill Stray Dogs

A Major in the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court on Tuesday, facing allegations of raping his biological daughter.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200032456/army-major-in-court-for-raping-daughter">NewsDay</a>, the case was presided over by Magistrate Stanford Mambanje. The accused has been remanded in custody until September 23 and has been advised to seek bail at the High Court.
Mercy Masamvi, representing the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), opposed bail, arguing that the accused is a powerful army officer who allegedly abused his position to sexually assault a minor.
Masamvi further argued that the seriousness of the charges warranted denying bail.
The allegations state that on Sunday while sharing a bed with his daughter, the accused suddenly pinned her down and raped her.
The complainant managed to escape and conveyed her ordeal to her sister, who was in the adjacent room.
The incident was reported to the ZRP in Epworth, leading to the arrest of the accused.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A Zimbabwean Army Major is accused of raping his own daughter. The case is being heard in court, and the Major is in custody until September 23. The prosecutor thinks he should not be allowed bail because he is a powerful army officer who took advantage of a young girl. The Major allegedly attacked his daughter while they were sharing a bed, but she managed to escape and tell her sister. The police arrested the Major after the incident was reported. It is a very serious situation, and the Major will have to wait until September to see if he can get bail.

Zimbabwean Army Major Allegedly Rapes Biological Daughter

The Supreme Court has reinstated five members of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) who had been fired from work for allegedly stealing food rations.
Supreme Court Justices Samuel Kudya, Joseph Musakwa and Susan Mavangira reinstated the five without loss of salaries, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200027827/supreme-court-reinstates-five-soldiers">NewsDay</a>.
The officers were dismissed despite being acquitted by the Court Martial.
The High Court had ordered the ZNA to reinstate Collen Chiba, Charles Mhuri, Bothwell Gorekore, Democracy Murambaroro, and Gibson Madzinga, a ruling which the ZNA appealed at the Supreme Court.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court bench said “A determination that is premised on the violation of a statute is void and of no legal effect”. Added the judges:
<blockquote>
The respondents were neither provided with the record of proceedings nor the reasons upon which the decision was made.
They could not, therefore, impugn the correctness of the decision by appealing it.
Rather, they were aggrieved by the decision-making process, which entailed seeking a review…
Where a dismissal is set aside as being a nullity, the employee is reinstated as such notwithstanding the further disciplinary proceedings that the court may order by way of remittal or otherwise.
The respondents have generally succeeded. They are entitled to their costs of appeal, on the ordinary scale.
</blockquote>
According to court documents, on August 17, 2017, the respondents were prosecuted but acquitted of theft of State property by General Court Martial.
However, the commander issued a convening order on April 4, 2018, for a board of suitability (BOS) to investigate the theft of rations by the respondents.
The order mandated the board to inquire into and determine the suitability of the respondents to remain as serving members of the army.
It was also directed to obtain documentary proof and a record of each member’s competence and conduct.
The board ruled that the officers were inefficient and unfit to remain in the ZNA.
The lawyers representing the soldiers then requested the record of proceedings from the BOS, but the latter refused.
They then approached the High Court seeking a review of the termination of their employment on the grounds that the determination was “irrational, illegal and unfair.”
The High Court ruled in their favour and ordered that they be reinstated, which prompted the board to approach the Supreme Court arguing that the lower court had erred.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Supreme Court Reinstates Five Soldiers Dismissed For "Stealing" Food Rations

The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has no tattoo policy, a senior official in the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), has said.
The Chief Director of Strategic Communications, Presidential Communications (OPC), Anyway Mutambudzi, was responding to an X user, Chofamba, who had asked about the ZNA’s policy on tattoos.
Chofamba asked the Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana and the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, to clarify the issue of tattoos, claiming that a young man had his recruitment rescinded by the ZNA because he had a tattoo on his arm. Chofamba wrote on X:
<blockquote>
I have a question concerning some of the ZNA’s recruitment criteria. I was talking to a young man whose recruitment to the officer training programme has been rescinded because he was found to have a tiny tattoo on his arm.
The explanation he was given by ZNA recruiters for this denial of a life-changing career opportunity was that the army views people with any sort of tattoos as having anger management issues, emotionally unstable and therefore unpredictable and potentially dangerous under conditions of stress.
I’ve found that armies around the world do have prohibitions on tattoos and piercings, and some of these policies are being reformed. An example is the British army, which has updated its policy to bar tattoos that are “offensive, obscene or racist”.
I’m sure most young Zimbabweans who would like to join the military are unaware of these criteria. It would be great to publicise this in career guidance campaigns or incorporate it in civic education within the school system so that young people do not inadvertently disqualify themselves from careers in the armed forces.
</blockquote>
Chofamba later pointed out that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son, Sean Mnangagwa, who is a Major in the ZNA, is tattooed.
In another question directed at Mangwana, Presidential Spokesperson George Charamba and Mutambudzi, Chofamba wrote: “What really is the Zimbabwe National Army’s policy on tattoos?”
In response, Mutambudzi, “There is no tattoo policy in the ZNA. Army is about shooting straight and taking the initiative from the enemy whether you have a tattoo or not.”
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Zimbabwe National Army Has No Tattoo Policy"

A Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) captain Foster Nyasha, who allegedly robbed Chinese national Yao Jingjie of US$60 000, was denied bail by Mutare magistrate Tendai Mahwe, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200024215/army-captain-remanded-in-custody">NewsDay</a>.
Foster, who is facing a robbery charge, was advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
His co-accused, who are all police officers, Albert Machona (42), a sergeant, and constables Charles Musiiwa (33) and Tanyaradzwa Mhondiwa (30) were each granted US$150 bail.
Machona, Musiiwa and Mhondiwa are stationed at Mutare Central Police Station while Nyasha is attached to 3 Infantry Battalion headquarters in the same town.
Allegations are that on 28 February, at around 7 PM, Yao arrived home by taxi from a business trip in Harare.
She was accompanied by her driver Kalim Mukwamba who left with the taxi as the Chinese national was entering her home in Morningside.
But before she could enter her house, Yao saw an intruder who turned out to be Foster wearing a black mask.
He allegedly assaulted Yao, fracturing her hands before robbing her of a satchel containing the cash.
Yao’s screams attracted neighbours who pursued Foster and recovered the bag which they handed to the three police officers — Machona, Musiiwa and Mhondiwa.
The cops allegedly took Foster to the Police Station where they connived to steal part of the recovered cash.
They then booked Foster as an informant and not as a suspect before allegedly releasing him.
The three police officers allegedly went to Ireland Private Hospital where the complainant who had been robbed was admitted and misrepresented to her that US$26 000 was all the cash that had been recovered.
However, the complainant raised the alarm leading to the arrest of the accused persons.
Foster was re-arrested on robbery charges.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Army Captain Accused Of Robbing Chinese National Of US$60 000 Denied Bail

Online news publication, The NewsHawks, said they will not publish follow-up stories on the issue of three Zimbabwean army generals forced out due to corruption issues following subtle threats and direct pressure from state security agents.
On 12 February, <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/top-army-generals-fired-over-housing-corruption/">The NewsHawks reported</a> that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) had sacked three senior military commanders at the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) over a multi-million-dollar hard currency housing corruption scandal.
Citing high-level sources, The NewsHawks reported that the ZNA commander Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe recently dismissed three commanders namely ZNA chief-of-staff (quartermaster) Major-General Hlanganani Dube, Major-General Paul Chima (ZDF inspector-general) and Major-General John Mupande, the director-general of policy, public relations and international affairs at the ministry of Defence.
In <a href="https://x.com/NewsHawksLive/status/1759787067842703619?s=20">an editorial on Tuesday</a>, 20 February, the publication said since last week, the military has held several meetings to deal with the exclusive coverage of the story which culminated in the issuing of a statement, saying the matter is currently under investigation. It reads in part:
<blockquote>
After that, The NewsHawks was informed by top Defence House impeccable sources the issue has raised serious concerns and alerts in terms of the gravity of the substance and sourcing. Security is investigating the journalists who covered the story: the bottom line is the military wants to know the sources of the story.
As a result, The NewsHawks journalists have now been put under surveillance, especially News Editor Owen Gagare, in a move which has a chilling effect on media freedom and journalism practice.
In order to protect the safety and wellbeing of reporters, The NewsHawks has now removed its reporters from the story with immediate effect and will not carry follow-ups, including the ones already processed for this week.
The stories will be pulled out of the latest edition coming out later today indefinitely.
Usually, The NewsHawks would dig in and persist undeterred, but given the clear and present danger to the safety of its reporters, the story has to be frozen. So it has been put on ice indefinitely.
As we say in journalism, in the final analysis, there is no story worth dying for!
However, courage in journalism is the refusal to be silenced. We are not being silenced, but forced to make some strategic decisions or choices to secure the safety of our reporters.
Self-censorship and silence are not an option in investigative journalism, yet necessary if only to ensure journalists’ safety and well-being, at least for the time being.
This has happened before as pointed out at the top and we handled the situation like this.
Previously, a NewsHawks senior journalist Bernard Mpofu was forced out of his stories and his home by state security agents who hunted him down to hound him out of the security beat of coverage.
He had written several stories, but what particularly invited problems for NewsHawks and him was President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s helicopter crash exclusive story in August 2021.
Mpofu was run out of town – literally – over the story and permanently left his home, amid contemplation to leave the country.
However, NewsHawks was forced to drop the story to secure his safety. Unfortunately, his sources were tracked down and removed from their posts amid internal punishment…
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The NewsHawks Freezes Exclusive Military Story Due To Threats From State Security Agents

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) has reportedly sacked three senior military commanders at the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) over a multi-million-dollar hard currency housing corruption scandal.
Citing high-level sources, <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/top-army-generals-fired-over-housing-corruption/">The NewsHawks</a> reported that the ZNA commander Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe recently dismissed three commanders namely ZNA chief-of-staff (quartermaster) Major-General Hlanganani Dube, Major-General Paul Chima (ZDF inspector-general) and Major-General John Mupande, the director-general of policy, public relations and international affairs at the ministry of Defence. Said a source:
<blockquote>
The three major generals, Dube, Chima and Mupande, were all but dismissed; they were put in the pool department after an intervention by ZDF commander General Phillip Valerio to manage the housing scandal and their exit properly. So all of them are going, but they will leave at the end of March.
Sanyatwe acted swiftly and ruthlessly against them after they were caught buying properties and inflating the purchase prices, renovations and allocating themselves houses well above their pay grade.
The corruption involves amounts ranging between US$400 000 to US$4 million. They bought houses for themselves and colleagues at inflated prices for private gain.
This involves several transactions, for instance, one for US$1.8 million, another for US$2 million and the other for US$4 million. However, there were many other transactions.
</blockquote>
Another source was quoted as saying the houses in question, which are said to be in Greystone Park suburb in Harare, were repossessed and turned into guest houses. Said the source:
<blockquote>
They have been booted out and sent to the pool. However, very soon they will go because due process is currently underway.
The houses that were acquired corruptly have been repossessed immediately and turned into guest houses. The houses in question are in Greystone Park suburb in Harare.
The new ZNA commander is fighting corruption within the army, but his action is also motivated by his own grievances or grudges.
When he was removed from the army in 2019 and posted to Tanzania as ambassador, the affected generals, especially Dube, refused to buy him a house.
He was told he was out of the system and did not deserve a house. So he is fighting back, now that he is their boss.
But then Sanyatwe is not sparing anyone involved in corrupt activities, which shows he is genuine.
Even Chima, who was his best friend and his best man at his wedding in August 2022, is not being spared. He is taking army protocols back on line.
Manje manje (soon) Chima will go as well. There is so much corruption in the army to the extent that suppliers are sometimes paid for goods that were not delivered.
In the case of houses, the limits were US$400 000 [just like ministers, deputy ministers, MPs and judges have their own limits on monies they get from government — which means public funds], but others were given over US$4 million for a house. This scandal involved millions of United States dollars.
</blockquote>
The NewsHawks quoted another source as saying there is rampant corruption within the military. Said the source:
<blockquote>
There is a lot of corruption in the army. The only reason the military appears less corrupt to other state institutions is that it is less scrutinised and most of its operations and procurements are clandestine.
For instance, remember that Dube was previously accused of having a hand in the theft of 30 tonnes of beef meant for the military’s Recruitment Training Depot in Mbalabala, Matabeleland South.
He allegedly diverted the meat to butcheries where it was sold before the money disappeared into private pockets.
Allegations were that a driver was sent to deliver 30 tonnes of meat to the training school in Mbalabala, but brought a delivery note and invoice without offloading the meat.
These things show that there is corruption within the military. Now it’s the housing scandal, which is far more serious than previously reported cases of corruption.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Three Top Army Generals Fired Over Housing Corruption | Report

The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) says it will be conducting free eye surgeries for people who suffer from eye cataracts in Midlands Province.
Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Alphios Makotore, said the free eye operations will be done in Shurugwi, Zvishavane and Chirumhanzu districts. He said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) will be conducting free eye cataract surgeries in Midlands Province covering Shurugwi, Zvishavane and Chirumhanzu districts.
As it is one of the ZNA’s secondary roles of Military Aid to Civil Ministries, the Army in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care will be conducting one hundred cataract surgeries including the supply of all consumables, intraocular lenses and post-operative drugs.
The team will be at Shurugwi Hospital on 11 to 12 November 2023 and at Tongogara Polyclinic on 13 to 15 November 2023.
The free Medical Outreach programme is running concurrently with routine military training exercises the ZNA is conducting in the general area of Shurugwi, Zvishavane and Chirumhanzu.
For more information, kindly contact the above-mentioned hospitals or the screening teams on 0718 926 282 or 0774 315 015.
</blockquote>
Eye cataracts are a common eye condition that can affect one’s vision. Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or cloudy vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to glare, and reduced color perception.
They can develop due to various factors such as aging, genetics, certain medical conditions, and prolonged sun exposure.
Cataracts can be treated through a surgical procedure called cataract surgery.
During the surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).
Cataract surgery is generally safe and highly effective in restoring clear vision.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Army To Conduct Free Eye Cataract Surgeries In Midlands Province

Members of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) were reportedly in charge of distributing ZANU PF regalia at President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s campaign rally in Centenary, Mashonaland Central on Saturday.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/news/article/200014373/soldiers-dish-out-zanu-pf-regalia">The Standard</a> reported that soldiers in military uniform were in charge of distributing ZANU PF caps and t-shirts some 2km away from the rally venue.
In his address at the rally, Mnangagwa said no party could remove ZANU PF from power. He said:
<blockquote>
We are aware of other political parties here in Zimbabwe. They are allowed to realise their desires to rule this country, but I can tell you that it is not easy when ZANU PF is in power.
You are children of freedom fighters, who suffered during the liberation war and we know when we come here you will defend the country’s heritage and retain ZANU PF when we go to the elections on August 23.
If you are paid to cause violence just spend the money quietly because if we know about it, we will deal with you.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF reportedly bussed thousands of supporters to the venue, as has been its custom during previous rallies.
Some of the villagers, who failed to get the free fried chicken and chips, hampers, party regalia and other goodies promised by ZANU PF, were left disgruntled.
At the rally, Mnangagwa received former MDC-T spokesperson, Witness Dube and other MPs who left MDC-T to join ZANU PF.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Soldiers Distribute ZANU PF Regalia At Rally | Report

MultiChoice is set to launch another Zimbabwean television channel onto the DStv platform, bringing the number of local stations available to DStv viewers to five.
NRTV will be launched on DStv’s channel 288 on Tuesday, June 20, adding a further dimension to the range of Zimbabwean content being showcased on the DStv packages.
NRTV stands for Nkululeko Rusununguko Television. It is owned by Rusununguko Media (Pvt) Ltd, <a href="https://www.techzim.co.zw/2023/02/another-zim-station-nrtv-launches-on-dstv-today/">a company reportedly owned by the Zimbabwe National Army</a> (ZNA).
The station was licensed in 2020 with a promise to offer a diverse and innovative programme range that will enhance viewing enjoyment by local viewers.
Moses Matanda, General Manager for NRTV highlighted that Zimbabweans can look forward to content told differently but relatable globally from a predominantly young and funk, multi-cultural and multi-lingual team. He said:
<blockquote>
We are excited to partner with MultiChoice in bringing content with a fresher outlook to the Zimbabwean storytelling market.
NRTV is very much privileged to be part of the chosen television stations, who have been given the arduous task to tell the Zimbabwean story.
</blockquote>
The channel will be available to DStv Premium, DStv Compact Plus, DStv Compact, DStv Access, and DStv Lite customers.
MultiChoice Zimbabwe general manager Norman Raisbeck said the addition of another Zimbabwean channel was both exciting and satisfying as MultiChoice continues to provide local viewers with more content from which to find a source of locally-selected information, education and entertainment programming. He said:
<blockquote>
We welcome NRTV to the DStv platform and we wish them much success in fulfilling viewer expectations across the country.
</blockquote>
The new channel will complement the existing four Zimbabwean broadcasters on DStv: Ztv, Yadah, 3Ktv and ZTN Prime. Added:
We are especially excited to hear that NRTV plans to expand its network of staff and offices across the country and to work towards utilisation of 16 languages, including sign language, for extended viewership penetration.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/media-reforms-surpass-target-as-nrtv-set-to-be-launched">The Sunday Mail</a> recently, Matanda expressed gratitude to integrated media company, Zimpapers, which owns ZTN, for helping nurture NRTV in its infancy.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe National Army Launches TV Channel On DStv

A Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) truck veered off the road several times before plunging into a valley in Nyanga on Saturday.
Police said the vehicle was speeding and had twenty-five passengers on board who were coming from a funeral.
ZRP spokesperson in Manicaland Province, Inspector Nobert Muzondo confirmed the accident to <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/new-25-injured-in-nyanga-accident/">The Manica Post</a>.
He said the accident occurred at the 24-kilometre peg along the Nyanga-Rwenya Road near Baines Farm. Said Insp. Muzondo:
<blockquote>
The driver of the Zimbabwe National Army Ashok Leyland was driving along Nyanga-Rwenya Road with 24 passengers on board at around 5 PM.
They were coming from a funeral, and on approaching Baines Farm, the driver failed to negotiate the curve due to speeding and lost control of the vehicle.
The vehicle veered off the road to the right and overturned several times before plunging into a valley about 100 metres away from the tarred road.
The vehicle landed on its wheels and the passengers sustained injuries and were taken to Nyanga District Hospital.
</blockquote>
He appealed to motorists to exercise caution on the roads.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Speeding Army Lorry Overturns, Plunges Into A Valley In Nyanga

The Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa recently promoted 20 lieutenant colonels to the rank of substantive colonel with effect from 09 November 2022.
He also promoted 26 majors to substantive lieutenant colonels with effect from 23 November 2022.
The promotions were made in terms of Section 15 (1) (b) of the Defence Act (Chapter 11:02).
The newly promoted colonels and lieutenant colonels were conferred with their at separate investiture ceremonies held at Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks (formerly King George VI Barracks) on Wednesday 30 November 2022.
The Chief of Staff Administration Staff Major General Matatu officiated at the conferment ceremony for the colonels.
Brigadier General Staff, Brigadier General Steven Gwekwerere presided over the conferment of new ranks to the lieutenant colonels.
The promoted Colonels are Charles Mutizhe, July Badza, Jabulisa Edward Sibanda, Michael Fatini, Daniel Musa Gandiwa, Regis Mangezi, Fungai Mapaya, Aaron Moyo, Caroline Hunidzarira, Andrew Kabaira, Hwami Vengesai, Arnold Sandalamu, Annanias Hovhiyo Mutati, Muchengeti Chabata, Kenosi Safenyang Mhlanga, Vengai Musanga, Siwinile Tauya, Ntokoziso Moyo, Isheunesu Shephard Maromo and Diana Chakapfava.
The promoted majors are Sifundiso Ndhlovu, Tasunungurwa Muchinapaya, Archimedes Sibiya, Wise Gatsi, Tariro Masiiwa, Mathias Gadu, Timothy Nyahwema, Beverly Mandaza, Lawrance Sobha, Silas Nyawiri, Sydney Chifamba, Philip Tafumanei Vumba, Tapiwa Makaya, Furirwai Chikungwa, Wilbert Fana Mutomba, Donald Madhongo, Stephen Mushunje, Wellington Mutsambi, Timothy Tazvitya, Tinovimbanashe Simon Chabvepi, Ranganai Muzeza, Gilbert Ncube, Brian Magagula, Innocent Dube, Nobuhle Siwela and Smile Nkomo. | <a href="https://zbcnews.co.zw/2022/11/30/president-mnangagwa-promotes-colonels-lieutenant-colonels/">ZBC News</a>

President Mnangagwa Promotes 20 Colonels, 26 Lieutenant Colonels

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) is underfunded and this has negatively affected the ability of the army to carry out its mandate.
This was said by the Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri while making a presentation at the 2023 Parliament pre-budget seminar in Harare on Monday, 24 October.
Muchinguri-Kashiri revealed that the army is not able to keep all personnel in the barracks or provide them with basics such as food and uniforms. She said:
<blockquote>
Let’s invest in our defence forces. My ministry is facing a lot of challenges, and we have inadequate accommodation to keep our forces in the barracks.
If we are adequately provided for, I can assure the nation that we will keep ourselves in the barracks.
What we see in the current situation is that our forces are renting accommodation in the townships, and they are often given names because of inadequate and indecent accommodation — let alone transport, which they also hire.
They are insulted on a daily basis. They sometimes go without food and even uniforms, and these are constitutional requirements.
Their food items have been reduced. Sometimes they have only sadza and beans. This is a serious situation we are faced with.
My fear is that these are young people who sacrifice to create this conducive environment for us to enjoy peace. We appeal for funding from you.
</blockquote>
However, since independence in 1980, the government has prioritised the Defence ministry in budget allocations.
The army is not only one of the top three ministries which always receives the biggest allocation from the Treasury over the years but also runs its own private companies that generate revenue. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200002532/hunger-stalks-army-barracks">NewsDay</a>

Zimbabwe Defence Forces Underfunded, Says Muchinguri-Kashiri

A soldier based in Beitbridge narrowly cheated death after he was shot eight times by vehicle smugglers along the Limpopo River last week.
The soldier was part of a security team deployed to curb cross-border crime in the border town.
The smugglers opened fire after they were cornered at an undesignated crossing point along the Limpopo River.
ZRP Officer Commanding Beitbridge District Chief Superintendent Tichaona Nyongo confirmed the incident but referred further questions to the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA). He said:
<blockquote>
He was on deployment and no one else was injured. As the norm, you can get detailed facts from the army through their national spokesperson.
</blockquote>
ZNA spokesperson Alphios Makotore said he would issue a statement next week.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200002016/cheeky-vehicle-smugglers-shoot-zim-soldier">NewsDay</a> reported sources at Beitbridge District Hospital as saying the soldier sustained several bullet wounds and was immediately transferred to Gwanda en route to Bulawayo.

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