Hungwe sulks over being denied Mupfumira ministry

MASVINGO – The Minister of State for Liaising on Psychomotor Activities in Education Josiah Hungwe has given his clearest hint yet that he was not fond of his current portfolio, saying he and other ministers in President Mugabe’s government had coveted the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare before the President gave it to Prisca Mupfumira.

Speaking at a belated Africa Public Service Day celebrations held at Civic Centre in Masvingo on Monday, Hungwe indicated that the Public Service ministry was important as a vehicle for self-enrichment, providing a ready trough from which to guzzle and all Zanu PF politburo members wanted it.

“Ministry iyi ndiyo dura renyika saka tose taiida, asi VaMugabe vakaona kuti tikapa vanaHungwe vanoba ndobva vaiti panaMupfumira dzii (The public service ministry is the goose that lays the golden egg. President Mugabe denied it on us as he knew we will start enriching ourselves),” said Hungwe.

On the other hand, Hungwe’s psychomotor ministry is widely seen as being of peripheral significance and less lucrative, therefore, wielding little influence to government policy and offering marginal opportunities to the self-enrichment bonanza.

When he was appointed into that role in 2013, Hungwe apparently failed to clarify the role of his new ministry when he was quizzed about it by then legislator Sekai Holland in parliament.

“I would like to thank Honourable Holland for her question. I think many people are expecting a statement to that effect. Could I plead with you if you could allow me more time to come to this Senate,” said Hungwe during a Senate session.

“I would also ask the Honourable Senator to put it in writing so that we could do the same to other Honourable Senators who are here, so that we are clear on what this new ministry is all about; I thank you,” Hungwe was quoted as saying. TellZim