Mnangagwa in no hurry to replace Mohadi

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa's decision to reassign key staff in former Vice-President Kembo Mohadi's office could be an indication that the Zanu-PF leader was in no hurry to replace his embattled former deputy, analysts have said.
Mohadi (71) resigned last month over sexual allegations with a subordinate, aide and students to "save government's image".

Mnangagwa was expected to immediately appoint Mohadi's replacement, but on Tuesday transferred senior staffers in his former deputy's office to other portfolios in what observers said could be a sign that he was doing away with the office.

The former permanent secretary in Mohadi's office, Paul Damasane was promoted to Deputy Chief Secretary for Social Services, Monitoring Programmes in the ministries of Youth, Sport, Art and Recreation, National Housing and Social Amenities, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development and their parastatals.

David Marapira, who was the Minister of State in Mohadi's Office, has been elevated to Minister of State in the Office of the President and Cabinet in charge of Monitoring and Implementation of Special Agricultural and Related Programmes that include Command Agriculture and irrigation development.

The reshuffle has been widely viewed by the public as a plot by Mnangagwa to freeze the post until after the 2023 elections which he believes will give him another mandate to rule for a second term.

Other voices have also speculated that Mnangagwa was secretly diverting from the Unity Accord signed in 1987 between Zanu and PF Zapu because he was under pressure to appoint a person favourable to his deputy Constantino Chiwenga.

Under the Unity Accord, Zanu-PF would have two vice-presidents, one of them from Zapu. Mohadi was from the Zapu side and is expected to be replaced by another former senior Zapu official.

Political analysts said Mnangagwa was buying time and delays in filling vacant positions have always been common in Zanu-PF.

Bulawayo-based veteran journalist and political analyst Methuseli Moyo yesterday said the redeployment of the staff was "normal".

He said Mnangagwa has no reason to depart from the Unity Accord and gamble with a political decision whose effect may suicidal.

"Zanu-PF is re-establishing itself in Matabeleland and, therefore, the president must consider that in his choice for Mohadi's successor," Moyo said.

"Freezing the post till 2023 will feed into speculation and create more jostling and more disunity."

"The Unity Accord is a pillar of national unity. Throwing it away may give rise to all sorts of interpretations."

Political analyst Austin Chakaodza said Zanu-PF had a tendency to procrastinate when filling up positions which arises in government.

"The freezing of the post should be regarded as temporary pending extensive consultation with the key stakeholders in the Zapu wing of Zanu-PF," he said.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba said Mnangagwa needed more time to make the appointment.

"The President needs to make several considerations before making that important appointment," Charamba said.

"The Vice-President had been tasked with various crucial governance roles which needed to remain functional despite his office being vacant hence the need for such appointments," he said.