Welshman Ncube, Zimbabwe's new Deputy Premier

Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara was on Sunday redeployed to the Ministry of Regional Integration and International Co-operation, paving way for newly-elected MDC president Welshman Ncube's ascendancy to the position of Deputy Premier.

Addressing a press conference in Harare yesterday after the meeting of the party's National Standing Committee, MDC president Ncube said following extensive deliberations, the party had seen it fit to redeploy Mutambara and other senior party members.

"The feeling of the committee was that the office of the DPM should be occupied by the party's most senior official," said Ncube.

"This should not be viewed as a demotion. It's only that we are new to democracy. It happens in a democracy. If at one time you lead, the next you follow."

Regional Integration and International Co-operation minister Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga takes over from Ncube as the Minister of Industry and Commerce. Misihairabwi-Mushonga also becomes the lead negotiator for the party in the GPA together with Qhubani Moyo, the party's national organising secretary.

Minister of Education, Arts, Sports and Culture David Coltart and the Co-Minister in the Organ on National Healing, Moses Ndlovu, retained their portfolios.

The redeployments will only become effective after the officials have been sworn-in by President Robert Mugabe.

Ncube said he had initially objected to the proposal by the National Standing Committee given the concerns around the lifespan of the inclusive government.

"I had actually objected to the proposal but the party was of the view that even if I become a DPM for one day that should be the way it is," he said.

Ncube said what was left was for the party to notify President Mugabe of the developments.