Muswere axed in mini-reshuffle

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday effected a mini-cabinet reshuffle, appointing Soda Zhemu as the new Minister of Information, Public Relations and Broadcasting Services, while reassigning Jenfan Muswere to the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development.

The changes were announced by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya.

As part of the reshuffle, former Skills Audit Minister Paul Mavhima takes over as Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, replacing Zhemu.

Muswere's removal from the influential Information portfolio marks the most notable shift. It follows a turbulent week in which he attempted to dismiss Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) board chairperson Halliate Rushwaya, only to reverse the decision after President Mnangagwa reportedly intervened while on an official visit to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

Government sources said the episode exposed internal tensions over the governance of the state broadcaster.

After announcing Halliate Rushwaya's removal, Muswere had appointed Chipo Nheta as interim board chairperson and Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa as deputy chairperson. However, the move was later rescinded.

The state-controlled Herald newspaper had reportedly printed about 3,000 copies carrying Muswere's announcement before the minister ordered a recall of the edition, resulting in financial losses for the publication, according to insiders.

Observers say Muswere's reassignment reflects Mnangagwa's reported dissatisfaction with government communication, amid concerns over what is seen as inconsistent and poorly coordinated messaging.

The reshuffle is being viewed as potentially the first in a series of broader changes within Mnangagwa's cabinet. Reports suggest the President is considering bringing retired Zimbabwe Defence Forces commander General Phillip Valerio Sibanda into government, possibly in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.

While described as a mini-reshuffle, the changes signal renewed efforts by Mnangagwa to recalibrate his executive team at a time of heightened political and administrative scrutiny.