EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
The Ministry of Defence is guided by an Executive Leadership structure that provides strategic direction, policy oversight and governance in the fulfilment of its constitutional mandate. The Executive Leadership comprises His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, the Minister of Defence, the Deputy Minister of Defence, the Permanent Secretary, and the Commander Defence Forces. Together, they provide leadership in the formulation and implementation of policies, strategic priorities and programmes that promote national defence, security, peace and development.
Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa
Hon Oppah CZ Muchinguri – Kashiri
Brigadier General (Retired) Levi Mayihlome
Secretary for Defence
Cde Aaron DT Nhepera
Commander ZDF
General Emmanuel Matatu
SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM
The Ministry’s Senior Management Team is led by the Permanent Secretary, who serves as the Chief Accounting Officer and is responsible for the administration and overall management of the Ministry. The Permanent Secretary is supported by the Chief Director and Departmental Directors, who oversee the implementation of policies, programmes and service delivery within their respective areas of responsibility. The Senior Management Team is committed to ensuring effective governance, efficient resource utilisation and the delivery of quality services to all stakeholders.
Mr Aaron Daniel Tonde Nhepera
Secretay for Defence
Mr Ignatious Mvere
Chief Director
Mrs Nyasha E. Goronga
Acting Director Strategic Policy Planing, Monitoring & Evaulation
Mr Tendai Chilowa
Acting Director International Affairs, Advocacy & Public Relations
Mr Jonhson K. Hakata
Director Finance & Administration
Mr Moses Nyazenga
Director Human Resources
Ms Rufaro Tsvangirayi
Acting Director Information Communication Technology
Mr Tendai Garabwa
Director Procurement
Mr Tavengwa Muchongwe
Director Internal Audit
Ms Bertha Chiura
Director Gender Mainstreaming, Inclusivity & Wellness Services
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
SINCE 1980
The Ministry of Defence was established on 18 April 1980 following Zimbabwe’s attainment of Independence. Its creation marked the beginning of a new national defence framework tasked with safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and national interests.
One of the Ministry’s earliest responsibilities was overseeing the formation of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) through the integration of the former Rhodesian Security Forces and the liberation armies, namely the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) and the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA). This process laid the foundation for a unified and professional national defence institution.
In its formative years, the Ministry operated largely through a civilian administrative structure working in close collaboration with the military command. As the defence sector evolved, the need for enhanced coordination between the civilian and military components became increasingly important.
A significant milestone was achieved in 1994 with the establishment of a unified Ministry of Defence structure. This reform brought together the civilian administration and Zimbabwe Defence Forces Headquarters under a single institutional framework, strengthening policy coordination, strategic planning, resource management, and civil-military cooperation.
Guided by the Constitution of Zimbabwe and relevant legislation, the Ministry provides policy direction and administrative oversight to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, comprising the Zimbabwe National Army and the Air Force of Zimbabwe. Through this mandate, the Ministry is responsible for formulating and implementing defence policies, ensuring military preparedness, and supporting national security objectives.
Over the years, the Ministry has expanded its role beyond traditional defence functions to include participation in regional peace and security initiatives, disaster response, civil protection activities, infrastructure development, and community assistance programmes. These efforts demonstrate the Ministry’s commitment to guaranteeing peace, security, and stability as fundamental pillars for national development and the attainment of Vision 2030.
Today, the Ministry of Defence remains dedicated to maintaining a capable, professional, and disciplined defence establishment that protects Zimbabwe’s sovereignty while contributing to national development, regional stability, and international peace and security.
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
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