By Ollus Ndomu
Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has unveiled his new cabinet, raising eyebrows by appointing two members of his own family to key ministerial positions.
The announcement comes in the wake of allegations of electoral irregularities and opposition protests, further deepening the political divide in the country.
One of the most contentious appointments is that of Prof. Mthuli Ncube as the Minister of Finance, with Kuda Mnangagwa, a relative of the president, serving as the deputy minister.
Critics argue that this appointment raises concerns about nepotism and favoritism within the government, adding to the skepticism surrounding the election results.
Another notable appointment is Barbra Rwodzi as the Minister of Tourism, with Tongai Mnangagwa, another family member, serving as her deputy.
This decision has fueled accusations of dynastic politics and calls for greater transparency in the administration.
Despite the controversy surrounding these familial appointments, the cabinet also includes several experienced figures such as Christopher Mutsvangwa as the Minister of War Veterans Affairs and Kirsty Coventry as the Minister of Sports, Recreation, and Arts.
These appointments aim to balance the government’s composition and potentially soothe some of the discontent within the nation.
The international community closely watches the situation in Zimbabwe, calling for an independent investigation into the election process and expressing concerns about the government’s commitment to democracy.
As Zimbabwe navigates these challenging political waters, it remains to be seen how President Mnangagwa’s new cabinet will address the nation’s pressing issues and whether it can bridge the divides created by the disputed elections.
