Zimpapers Logo

Nduduzo Tshuma Political Editor
ZANU-PF Matabeleland South province yesterday hailed President Robert Mugabe for appointing four cabinet ministers from the province and one deputy attributing the move to their clean sweep in the 2013 harmonised elections. President Mugabe appointed former Matabeleland South provincial affairs minister Cde Abednico Ncube to the new ministry of Rural Development and Preservation of National Heritage while Cde Simon Khaya Moyo was moved to the new ministry of Policy Co-ordination and Promotion of Socio-Economic Ventures in the President’s Office.

The two add to Cde Andrew Langa who is the minister of Sports, Arts and Culture and Cde Kembo Mohadi, the minister of State Security. Mangwe legislator Cde Obedingwa Mguni was appointed Home Affairs deputy minister. In a cabinet reshuffle announced yesterday, President Mugabe appointed Cdes Patrick Zhuwao to the ministry of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment, Cde Joram Gumbo to the ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development while Cde Makhosini Hlongwane was appointed minister without Portfolio.

Cde Gumbo replaced Cde Obert Mpofu who has been appointed to the Macro-Economic Planning and Investment Promotion portfolio deputised by Cde Monica Mutsvangwa, the former Information deputy minister. In the reshuffle, President Mugabe reassigned Cde Christopher Mushohwe from the Youth ministry to the Information, Media and Broadcasting Services portfolio.

The following were also appointed as deputy ministers: Edgar Mbwembwe, Foreign Affairs, Obedingwa Mguni, Home Affairs, Berita Chikwama, Lands and Rural Resettlement, Chris Chingosho, Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Michael Madanha, Transport and Infrastructure Development, Aldrin Masiiwa, Health and Child Care, Thokozile Mathuthu, Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Tshinga Dube, War Veterans, Annastacia Ndhlovu, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, and Tapiwanashe Matangaidze, Public Service.

Zanu-PF Matabeleland South provincial chairperson Cde Rapelang Choene said: “We’re grateful for this recognition that we’ve been given by the President. This shows his appreciation of our performance in the 2013 elections and we will work towards maintaining our clean sweep in the province.”

The new ministers paid tribute to President Mugabe for their respective appointments with Cde Hlongwane saying,:“I’m elated and very happy at the appointment to Cabinet by His Excellency President Mugabe. “I promise that I’ll work hard to deliver on the nagging question of development.”

Cde Mathuthu said, “I’d like to thank President Mugabe for the confidence he has shown in me. It came as a shock as I wasn’t expecting it but I pray that the Lord gives me strength and wisdom to carry out my duties to the pride of my President and the people of Zimbabwe.”