Mnangagwa demotes Jenfan Muswere after Minister tried to fire his niece at the ZBC

HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa reassigned Information Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere in an immediate Cabinet reshuffle, days after his attempt to restructure the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) board sparked infighting within the government.

According to multiple reports Muswere tried to fire ZBC board chairperson Helliate Rushwaya, who is President Mnangagwa’s niece (as reported by The NewsHawks).

In a statement issued by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya, the President said the changes were made in terms of Section 104(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and take immediate effect.

Muswere has been moved from the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services to the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development.

He is replaced by Zhemu Soda, who shifts from the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities to take over the Information portfolio.

Paul Mavima, who had been serving as Minister of Skills Audit and Development, has been reassigned to head the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities.

Reports suggest that Muswere’s reassignment follows his decision to dismiss the ZBC board in what was widely viewed as a restructuring move amid allegations that the broadcaster had been captured by businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei.

A report by ZimLive claims “Muswere had already told The Herald to publish a story announcing Rushwaya’s dismissal. The newspaper printed about 3,000 copies, but Muswere later ordered them to be destroyed after Mnangagwa refused to approve the firing.”

The board dismissal was subsequently halted after President Mnangagwa returned from an overseas trip, a development that drew attention to internal tensions within government.

The government statement did not provide reasons for the changes.

Soda, a former Minister of Energy and Power Development and long-serving legislator, now assumes responsibility for the Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services ministry, which oversees government communication and public broadcasting.

Mavima takes charge of the National Housing and Social Amenities portfolio, while Muswere assumes leadership of the Skills Audit and Development ministry.