Mnangagwa running out of time

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is under pressure to appoint Cabinet ahead of his trip to the Far East on Friday where he is scheduled to attend the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation (FOCAC).

Since his inauguration four days ago, the country has effectively been operating with a Cabinet.

Mnangagwa is engaging Parliament over the swearing-in of the Ninth Parliament of Zimbabwe and the appointment of a new Cabinet, as he races against time amid reports that government business was virtually at a standstill.

Mnangagwa on Monday reportedly met outgoing Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda to discuss the processes and procedures to take place, as the country awaits the appointment of Vice-Presidents and Cabinet ministers.

Yesterday, Mudenda confirmed "consultations" were underway on the matter, although he could not divulge definitive timelines as well as the processes.

"Indeed, consultations are underway with regards to the process and what's ought to start. I am sorry I cannot share much or say anything further than that. I am involved and I am sorry I cannot help you even legally or the interpretation you so seek," Mudenda said.

Mnangagwa is yet to appoint his Cabinet from elected MPs and five non-constituency MPs to be appointed based on their skills and technical abilities.

Mnangagwa, who was sworn in on Sunday, will have a tough time selecting his next cabinet as he moves to revive the country's economy, which has been on its knees for two decades.

Political analysts and ordinary Zimbabweans noted that President Mnangagwa, who had to be declared winner of the election by the Constitutional Court after the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Alliance filed an application to overturn his election, will have to find ways of dealing with the military element that helped him attain power in a coup last November.

Political analyst Conrad Gweru said Mnangagwa was faced with a big challenge to leave behind former President Robert Mugabe's style of appointing cabinet ministers, which was based primarily on loyalty to the president rather than competence.

Media analyst Nevanji Madanhire said the people of Zimbabwe expected a cabinet of competent people drawn from current MPs, regardless of their political affiliation.

President Mnangagwa had a large pool to choose from — his ruling ZANU-PF, the opposition MDC Alliance and independent candidates.

In his last cabinet, Mnangagwa was accused of retaining and protecting people who had been fingered for corrupt activities. The former vice president had a torrid time trying to balance the people who had helped him during Operation Restore Legacy with those who had served in the old cabinet. However, President Mnangagwa had to withdraw some appointments after exceeding the allowed number of people appointed to the cabinet who were not MPs.

More to follow...