Mnangagwa fires Deputy Minister for allegedly inciting tribal tensions

HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has fired Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Simelisizwe Sibanda for allegedly inciting tribal tensions in his constituency.

The news of Sibanda’s dismissal was made public through a statement released by Martin Rushwaya, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, on Monday.

Sibanda’s dismissal is in accordance with Section 108(1a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and is effective immediately.

“His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde. Dr. Emmerson D. Mnangagwa has, in terms of Section 108(1a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe removed Hon. Simelisizwe Sibanda from the Office of Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development with immediate effect,” Rushwaya said.

The statement did not provide specific reasons for Sibanda’s removal from office, but it comes after recent allegations of tribalistic behavior by the Deputy Minister.

Few days ago, it was reported that Sibanda had verbally attacked a Shona-speaking teacher at a school in his constituency, accusing her of “having a Shona surname and killing children” and ordering that she be transferred out of the area.

The incident was captured on audio and sparked outrage among teachers and parents in the community. The Early Childhood Development (ECD) female teacher, Winnet Mharadze, was left shaken and has since sought protection from education officials.

This is not the first incident of its kind, with similar reports emerging from other schools in the area where Sibanda has allegedly targeted Shona-speaking teachers.

Sibanda is the third Minister to be fired by President Mnangagwa, following the dismissals of Chris Mutsvangwa in April this year and Roy Bhila in December last year.