Mudzuri, Mhashu fired

By Tendai Mugabe (24/06/10)

MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai yesterday recalled two of his Cabinet ministers — Engineer Elias Mudzuri (Energy and Power Development) and Fidelis Mhashu (Housing and Social Amenities).

He also moved Giles Mutsekwa from the powerful Home Affairs portfolio to the Housing Ministry, while Mr Tapiwa Mashakada was seconded to the Cabinet brief of Economic Planning and Investment Promotion.

In all, Mr Tsvangirai announced 16 ministerial changes to the line-up of MDC-T ministers in the inclusive Govern-ment.

The axed ministers are to be replaced by senior MDC-T officials believed to be part of the party leader’s inner circle.

Two deputy ministers were also axed — Evelyn Masaiti (Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development) and Thamsanqa Mahlangu (Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment).

MDC-T deputy secretary-general Mr Mashakada repla-ces Mr Elton Mangoma, who moved to the Energy portfolio.

Mr Jameson Timba, formerly the Media, Information and Publicity Deputy Minister, was elevated to Minister of State in the PM’s Office.

Presidential spokesperson Mr George Charamba yesterday said President Mugabe would today swear-in the new office bearers at State House.

Addressing journalists at the party’s Harvest House headquarters in Harare yesterday, Mr Tsvangirai insisted the changes were meant to strengthen Cabinet.

"I have decided on a number of changes needed to streng-then the performance of the MDC in Government and outside Government," he said.

Eng Mudzuri will now concentrate on his party duties as organising secretary.

Mr Tsvangirai defended the demotions, saying it was not victimisation at play.

Mr Mhashu was recalled to rejuvenate the party’s Chitungwiza executive, which Mr Tsvangirai said had almost collapsed owing to lack of attention.

"The people whom we redeployed to the party have special responsibilities to the party.

"It is my assessment that we need to strike a balance between Government and the party," Mr Tsvangirai said.

Mrs Theresa Makone is the new Home Affairs co-Minister.

Former Minister of State in the PM’s Office Mr Gorden Moyo was moved to the State Enterprises brief, taking over from Mr Gabuza Joel Gabuza, who is now in charge of the Public Works Ministry that Mrs Makone previously held.

Mr Murisi Zwizwai, who was the Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, moves to the Media Ministry in the same capacity.

Another new face is Mr Gift Chimanikire (Mines Deputy Minister), Mr Obert Gutu (Justice and Legal Affairs Deputy Minister) and Mr Tongai Matutu (Youth Deputy Minister).

Mr Gutu takes over from Ms Jessie Majome, who was moved to the Women’s Affairs deputy ministerial post that was held by Ms Masaiti.

Mr Tsvangirai dispelled reports that the changes refle-cted deepening factionalism in his party.

However, sources said the MDC-T leader had been mulling the changes for about four months.

They said he was targeting people he believed would insist on the holding of a party congress next year where he could be deposed from the helm of MDC-T as his constitutional two terms as president will have expired.

Sources said the initial idea was to remove Mr Tendai Biti from the Finance Ministry, but donors reportedly made it clear they would not countenance such a move.

Mr Tsvangirai is said to have told President Mugabe of his intentions last Tuesday and was advised not to proceed.

The MDC-T leader, who is prime minister in the inclusive Government, cannot reshuffle Cabinet but can only ask President Mugabe to consider names of people he would like to be in the executive.

Yesterday, Mr Tsvangirai communicated his suggestions to the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and President Mugabe agreed to swear the new incumbents into office.