PM Tsvangirai set to reshuffle cabinet

PRIME Minister Morgan Tsvangirai is expected to effect a mini-Cabinet reshuffle in his camp, the second inside 15 months. Although the premier is said to have toyed around with the idea for some time, the latest move has its genesis in last week's passing away of Public Service Minister, Eliphas Mukonoweshuro, who was his chief advisor, FinGaz reported.

The premier first reshuffled his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) Cabinet posts in June last year in a move that saw two Cabinet ministers, Elias Mudzuri and Fidelis Mhashu and two other deputy ministers, Thamsanga Mah-langu and Evelyn Masaiti, losing their portfolios.

Tsvangirai promoted MDC-T deputy secretary-general, Tapiwa Mashakada, to the Economic Planning and Investment Promotion Ministry while Gift Chimanikire and Obert Gutu became the Deputy Ministers of Mines and Justice respectively.

Tongai Matutu was also accommodated as Youth Development Minister.

At the time, the premier said he had made the changes to strengthen the performance of the MDC-T in government and outside the coalition.

But following the death of Mukonoweshuro, who held the Gutu constituency Parliamentary seat in Masvingo Province, Tsvangirai is under pressure to elevate someone from that province to quell disenchantment from that region.
Following the party's May congress, MDC-T officials from Masv-ingo were disgruntled after four senior members from the area failed to get any leadership positions.

These were Mukonoweshuro, who lost to Finance Minister, Tendai Biti, for the post of secretary-general; Lucia Matibenga, who was eying the national chairperson post that went to Lovemore Moyo; and Matutu, who lost the party spoke-sperson post to Douglas Mwonzora.

Mudzuri was seen as the biggest casualty after failing to garner enough votes against Nelson Chamisa for the national organising secretary post.

Sources said since Mukonoweshuro was the only Cabinet minister chosen from 14 Parliamentary MDC-T representatives from Masv-ingo, the PM has to choose someone from the province as a balancing act.

Mukonoweshuro's replacement is expected to trigger redeployments within the Cabinet posts held by the MDC-T as that person might not necessarily land the Public Service ministerial post.

Masvingo MDC-T legislators touted for bigger things are Harrison Mudzuri, Jeffryson Chitan-do and Festus Dumbu, all former teachers.

Observers pointed out pitfalls in attempting to bring back Elias Mudzuri, saying even though he hails from Masvingo, he held a constituency in Harare, Warren Park.

The PM's spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka, said he was not aware of any moves to carry out a mini-reshuffle when contacted for comment this week.

"The Prime Minister has the prerogative to reshuffle his team, but as of now it's still speculative," said Tamborinyoka.

The premier has previously complained that some of his members were incompetent.

Recent reports say he has threatened to fire underperforming ministers, saying he had even told some of them that he would not hesitate to axe them.

"All ministers should work hard and make sure that they steer development in their respective ministries . . . I have told my ministers that I will not hesitate to fire those who are failing to deliver," the Prime Minister told a rally at Mbizo Stadium in Kwekwe recently.

"It is rare for ministers to take their time to visit people, especially in rural areas, to familiarise themselves with the problems faced by villagers. It is my duty as the ministers' supervisor to monitor how they are working," he said.

Tsvangirai is responsible for implementing government policy.

Reports of the premier's plan to axe perceived non-performers come at a time when he has bemoaned failure to implement policies by several ministers.

In his review of the Government Work Plan (GWP) for the first half of the year, he said the rate of implementation of government policies and programmes was worse than last year.

In his report titled GWP Mid-Term Implementation Progress Report, the PM said: "As of June 30 2011, the overall implementation of the GWP Critical Path Targets ranges between 20 percent and 25 percent of the annual implementation target compared to 35 percent and 40 percent for the same period last year.

"This low performance has been largely due to the current continued liquidity challenges that the economy is facing. The excessive pressure on the fiscus has resulted in non-implementation of a number of government programmes."

MDC-T insiders said whoever was cherry-picked to step into the shoes of Mukonoweshuro, has a tough act to follow as the late political scientist is credited with unearthing about 70 000 ghost workers in the government's books.

The same insiders said jostling for the position was likely to ensue in the coming weeks as pressure is on the premier to get a replacement for the position as the party pushes for the removal of ghost workers and the improvement of the welfare of civil servants seen as an important constituency in the next elections.