Mugabe fires Sports Minister Langa

HARARE – The infighting in the ruling Zanu PF party claimed another victim on Thursday with reports that President Robert Mugabe has fired Sport and Recreation minister Andrew Langa.

It appears Langa has paid the price for being linked to expelled former Vice President Joice Mujuru and her faction which has since broken off to form the People First party.

We understand Langa has now been replaced by Makhosini Hlongwane who has been minister without portfolio since last week. The Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Misheck Sibanda has already confirmed the development.

Langa who is also Insiza North legislator, has been swimming in turbulent political waters as he was suspended as provincial chairman in November last year for allegedly aligning himself with a faction led by the Joice Mujuru.

He was also accused of undermining Zanu-PF Women Affairs secretary and First Lady Grace Mugabe’s meet the people rally in Matabeleland South last year. Thirty-One provincial members out of 51 voted to sack him as provincial chairman, a decision that was upheld by the Politburo that slapped him with a three year suspension.

Langa was elected MP for Insiza North constituency in early 2003. During his tenure in Government before his dismissal, Langa served as Deputy Minister Environment and Tourism, in the Inclusive Government he was Deputy Minister Public Service before he was promoted to Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture.

Langa had survived several cabinet purges and it was still not yet clear what had pushed him over the edge in the latest round of sackings.