President Robert Mugabe reshuffled his cabinet Monday and as expected moved Information Minister Jonathan Moyo to the Ministry of Higher Education.
Moyo and other ministers were sworn-in at the State House. Former Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi is now responsible for State Security. He was replaced by former Local Government Minister Ignatious Chombo.
Former Environment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere becomes the Local Government Minister and former Higher Education Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri is the new environment minister. She replaced Kasukuwere.
Nyasha Chikwinya is the new Minister of Women’s Affairs and Retired Brigadier Ambrose Mutinhiri has taken over from Joel Biggie Matiza as the Mashonaland East Minister of State.
Some critics say this position is a demotion for Professor Moyo, who was a feared Zanu PF and government spin doctor.
Labour Minister, Priscah Mupfumira is the acting information minister. She told VOA Studio 7 that Mr. Mugabe is yet to come up with a suitable candidate and she will for now hold fort.
Movement for Democratic Change spokesman Obert Gutu of the Morgan Tsvangirai formation called the reshuffle “more of the same”, adding that Zimbabwe is heading towards a complete collapse.
Political analyst and director of the Zimbabwe Democracy Institute, Pedzisayi Ruhanya, said the moving of Moyo to the education portfolio might be a good move as he is a renowned academic who can shake up the ministry.
But Zimbabwe Independent editor Dumisani Muleya said the reshuffle was clearly targeting Moyo.
