Mphoko swims in the deep end

Phelekezela Mphoko may have unexpectedly emerged from the political wilderness to assume the post of vice-president, but within just two months after entering mainstream politics he has courted controversy within government, party circles and the public at large.

Mphoko - who is proving to be a controversial figure - has plunged into the deep end and is now struggling to swim.

He has reportedly ruffled the feathers of President Robert Mugabe, through cabinet down to the lower echelons of the ruling Zanu PF party.

Government sources say Mugabe and other government officials are unhappy with Mphoko for making controversial pronouncements without consultation during his own version of "meet the people tours" in Bulawayo and the Matabeleland provinces.