At a time when his image is trapped in controversy following a recent disputed election where he emerged as the winner under controversial circumstances, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed his son Kudakwashe David and nephew Tongai as Deputy Ministers.
Kudakwashe was appointed Deputy Finance Minister while Tongai was named as the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality.
Mnangagwa’s 2022 evaluation of Ministers had Kirsty Coventry ranking last in 2022. But she was retained as Sports Minister.
Asked why he retained Coventry, the President responded: “I’m satisfied, I don’t know who’s not satisfied, when they become president they can remove her.”
Mthuli Ncube was brought back as Finance and Investment Promotion Minister deputised by Kudakwashe Mnangagwa.
Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa was appointed Minister of Veterans of Liberation. Monica Mavhunga is his deputy.
Businessman Tino Machakaire was appointed Minister of Youth Empowerment and Vocational Training Centres deputised by Junior Mupamhanga.
Emily Jesaya is Sports, Recreation Arts and Culture Deputy Minister.
Nqobizitha Ndlovu was retained as Environment Climate and Wildlife deputised by John Paradza.
Tourism And Hospitality
Barbra Rwodzi
Deputy – Tongai Mnangagwa
Defence Minister remains
Oppah Muchinguri
Deputy – Levy Mayihlome
Monica Mutsvangwa is the new Minister of Women’s Affairs, community and SME*
Jennifer Mhlanga is the deputy.
Winston Chitando is now Local Government and Public Works Minister.
Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Ministers remain Frederick Shava and Kazembe Kazembe respectively.
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister is Ziyambi Ziyambi deputised by Obert Mazungunye.
Information
Jennifan Muswere
ICT
Tatenda Mavetera
Deputy – D. Phuthi
Mines and Mining Development
Soda Zhemu
Deputy not yet
Higher and Tertiary Education
Prof Amon Murwira
Deputy – Simelizezwe Sibanda
Primary and Secondary
T. Moyo (Mash Central)
Deputy – Angeline Gata
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare
July Moyo
Mrs Dinha
Industry and Commerce
Sithembiso Nyoni
No Deputy yet
Transport and Infrastructure Development
Felix Mhona
Energy and Power Development
Edgar Moyo
National Housing
Daniel Garwe
Deputy – Yeukai Simbanegavi
Land Agriculture
Dr Masuka
Deputy – Vangelis Haritatoos
Deputy – Davis Marapira
Health
Dr Mombeshora
Provincial Affairs in the OPC
L Matuke.
Skills Audit and Development
Prof P. Mavhima.
Commenting on Mnangagwa’s appointments, investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono said the President had “probably the worst cabinet in Zimbabwe’s history.”
“President Mnangagwa has named probably the worst cabinet in Zimbabwe’s history retaining Mthuli Ncube as Finance Minister and the worst ever sports minister, Kirsty Coventry,” he said.
“He also named his son Kudakwashe David Mnangagwa as deputy Finance minister, Barbara Rwodzi as Tourism minister and his side luck Owen Mudha Ncube as Midlands provincial minister.
“He also named his nephew Tongai Mnangagwa as deputy minister.”
Veteran broadcast journalist Violet Gonda said: “First he brought back the ‘morally compromised’ Kembo Mohadi as Vice President, a couple of years after Mohadi quit amid a sex scandal.
“Now President Mnangagwa has announced a cabinet with family members including: Kuda Mnangagwa, as deputy finance minister. Tongai Mnangagwa , as deputy tourism minister.
“Also in the mix is a husband and wife duo, who have both been made ministers of the same government. Chris Mutsvangwa is now the war veterans minister while his wife, Monica (former information minister), is now the minister of women affairs.
She further questioned: “Is this a function of trust, and consolidation of power?”
International Trade Lawyer and novelist Petina Gappah, however, said the list of new ministers was inclusive.
“I have to say that the new cabinet is full of surprises. So many new people and new energy, with the inclusion of the young and more women than I thought possible. It’s well balanced across the provinces. I’m especially happy that ZIDA is now FIRMLY in the Ministry of Finance,” she said.
Engineer and commentator Kudzai Mutisi said: “The Cabinet Ministers are for the President, not for us… He can appoint Ministers and Dismiss them… If they are incompetent, it’s the President’s performance that will be impacted…
“Yes, we have the right to criticise his choices, but it’s still up to him… Give them a chance!”
