News / National
Mnangagwa defends Cabinet appointments
13 Sep 2023 at 13:59hrs | Views
President Emmerson Mnangagwa made a grand entrance to State House on Monday to announce his new Cabinet, with many eagerly anticipating the composition of the team that would steer the country's affairs for the next five years. However, his actions and statements during the announcement raised eyebrows and concerns.
While Mnangagwa had previously emphasized that "the voice of the people is the voice of God," it appeared that he had deviated from that stance. He seemed more focused on asserting his authority and dismissing any suggestions or criticisms. Mnangagwa stated that he alone was responsible for Cabinet assignments, even appointing family members to high-ranking positions, implying that those who wanted to appoint ministers should become presidents themselves.
Mnangagwa appointed his son, Kudakwashe David Mnangagwa, as Finance deputy minister, and his nephew, Tongai Mnangagwa, as Tourism and Hospitality deputy minister. When asked about the performance of Kirsty Coventry, whom he retained as Sport minister, Mnangagwa responded with sarcasm, suggesting that only presidents could appoint ministers.
He also made dismissive comments about the opposition, stating that they would prefer to be in actual opposition rather than failing to fulfill their role while in government.
The main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), criticized Mnangagwa's Cabinet appointments, calling it the worst since 1980. They accused the Cabinet of being constituted of friends, family, loyalists, and the least qualified individuals. The CCC expressed concerns about nepotism and the lack of fresh perspectives within the regime.
Political analysts and observers noted that Mnangagwa's Cabinet choices revealed a disregard for public opinion and raised questions about nepotism and arrogance in his leadership style.
Despite the controversies and criticisms, President Mnangagwa proceeded with his appointments, and his newly formed Cabinet is expected to lead the country for the next five years.
While Mnangagwa had previously emphasized that "the voice of the people is the voice of God," it appeared that he had deviated from that stance. He seemed more focused on asserting his authority and dismissing any suggestions or criticisms. Mnangagwa stated that he alone was responsible for Cabinet assignments, even appointing family members to high-ranking positions, implying that those who wanted to appoint ministers should become presidents themselves.
Mnangagwa appointed his son, Kudakwashe David Mnangagwa, as Finance deputy minister, and his nephew, Tongai Mnangagwa, as Tourism and Hospitality deputy minister. When asked about the performance of Kirsty Coventry, whom he retained as Sport minister, Mnangagwa responded with sarcasm, suggesting that only presidents could appoint ministers.
He also made dismissive comments about the opposition, stating that they would prefer to be in actual opposition rather than failing to fulfill their role while in government.
The main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), criticized Mnangagwa's Cabinet appointments, calling it the worst since 1980. They accused the Cabinet of being constituted of friends, family, loyalists, and the least qualified individuals. The CCC expressed concerns about nepotism and the lack of fresh perspectives within the regime.
Political analysts and observers noted that Mnangagwa's Cabinet choices revealed a disregard for public opinion and raised questions about nepotism and arrogance in his leadership style.
Despite the controversies and criticisms, President Mnangagwa proceeded with his appointments, and his newly formed Cabinet is expected to lead the country for the next five years.
Source - newsday
