Mnangagwa in shock appointments

Published: 2 hours ago

President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday announced a major reshuffle within Zimbabwe's civil service, introducing new faces while reassigning senior officials to key ministries as he strengthens his administration ahead of crucial policy initiatives. The appointments, communicated by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya, included new permanent secretaries, deputy chief secretaries, and secretaries for provincial affairs and devolution.

Among the most notable changes, development assistance expert Thomas Utete Wushe was appointed as permanent secretary for the Industry and Commerce Ministry, taking over from Mavis Sibanda, who was reassigned to the Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Ministry. In the Health and Child Care Ministry, Aspect Maunganidze, former chief medical officer at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, replaces Jasper Chimedza, who has been moved out of the position.

The Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Ministry now has Nicholas Moyo, former executive director of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, replacing Thokozile Chitepo, while Moses Mhike was appointed permanent secretary for Primary and Secondary Education, succeeding Tumisang Thabela, who retired earlier this year. Former ambassador and United Nations Women Zimbabwe senior peace and security advisor Rudo Chitiga was named permanent secretary for Skills Audit and Development, having previously led the secretariat on the harmonisation and standardisation of salaries and conditions of service within the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC).

Prosper Matondi, who served as chief director for environment, climate, and meteorological services, was promoted to permanent secretary for the Environment, Climate and Wildlife Ministry. The Tourism and Hospitality Ministry now has Professor Takaruza Munyanyiwa, former pro-vice chancellor for business development at the University of Zimbabwe, as permanent secretary. Meanwhile, Solomon Mhlanga, formerly in charge of public sector reforms and performance management in the OPC, assumes leadership of the Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Ministry.

Clive Mphambela, previously the finance and economic development spokesperson, was appointed permanent secretary for Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs. In a surprising move, John Basera was reassigned from the Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Ministry to become permanent secretary for Local Government and Public Works, with academic Obert Jiri promoted from director to replace him. Vimbai Nyemba, former president of the Law Society of Zimbabwe, was appointed permanent secretary for Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, taking over from Virginia Mabhiza, who recently assumed the role of Attorney-General.

Several senior officials retained their positions, including Gloria Magombo at the Energy and Power Development Ministry, Ndavaningi Mangwana at the Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Ministry, and George Guvamatanga at the Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Ministry. At the provincial level, Harare Metropolitan permanent secretary Tafadzwa Muguti was reassigned as secretary for Presidential Affairs in the Office of the President, replaced by Cosmas Chiringa, a former Mutare district development coordinator.

Within the OPC, George Charamba retained his role as deputy chief secretary for Presidential Communications, while Zvinechimwe Churu, formerly in the Local Government Ministry, was appointed deputy chief secretary for Finance, Administration and Human Resources. Willard Manungo continues as deputy chief secretary for Policy Analysis, Coordination and Development Planning, Paul Damasane retains social services oversight, and Amos Marawa continues coordinating national programmes and projects.

Political analysts note that the civil service shake-up appears aimed at improving bureaucratic efficiency and aligning senior officials with President Mnangagwa's Vision 2030 agenda, particularly in areas of industrialisation, youth empowerment, and social service delivery.
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