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Cde Shuvai Mahofa

Farirai Machivenyika Harare Bureau
PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe yesterday swore in the new Minister of State for Masvingo province, Cde Shuvai Mahofa and new Deputy Minister for Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Cde Monica Mutsvangwa at a ceremony held at State House.

The ceremony was attended by the First Lady Grace Mugabe, several government officials and family members of the two ministers.

Speaking after taking her oath of office and loyalty to the country, Minister Mahofa said her elevation was a result of the support from the people of Masvingo province.

“This is a result of the support I have from the people of Masvingo because I’m a hard working and straight forward person. I was faithful to them and I will do my best to serve the people,” she said.

Minister Mahofa said her priority was to deal with land issues in the province.

“Masvingo has problems with land and that is what I want to deal with immediately. We’ve issues with Tongaat Hulett that is not assisting the community and was said to be protected by former Minister Kudakwashe Bhasikiti. I’ll also look at the issue of Bikita Minerals, which is also refusing to relinquish shares to the community alleging that former minister Dzikamai Mavhaire has shares,” she said.

The minister added that she would also investigate allegations that Cde Bhasikiti was vandalising property at his farm in anticipation that it would be repossessed.

Cde Mutsvangwa thanked the President for her appointment.

“I’m very grateful to the President and very humbled. I’ll try to do my best and that whatever I do it will benefit the people,” she said.

Cde Mutsvangwa said her appointment was because of her loyalty to Zanu-PF and the country despite attempts by former Presidential Affairs Minister Didymus Mutasa to sideline her in Manicaland province.

Cde Mutsvangwa replaced Supa Mandiwanzira who is now Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Courier Services while Minister Mahofa takes over from Cde Bhasikiti who was fired for belonging to the former Vice-President Joice Mujuru cabal that plotted to assassinate President Mugabe.

Cde Mujuru and 16 other ministers and deputy ministers were fired for taking part in the plot to oust the President.