News / National
Mnangagwa may reshuffle Cabinet over CAA3 vote
2 hrs ago |
51 Views
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa is reportedly considering a Cabinet reshuffle amid growing pressure within Zanu PF to take disciplinary action against 14 MPs who failed to support Constitutional Amendment Act Number 3 (CAA3) during the parliamentary vote.
Sources close to the ruling party said several ministers and deputy ministers who were among the lawmakers who did not vote for the constitutional amendment could lose their Government positions in the anticipated changes.
Those reportedly facing possible removal include Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister Angeline Gata, Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs Minister Marian Chombo, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Sheilla Chikomo, Skills Audit Minister Jenifan Muswere and ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera, among others.
The 14 MPs' failure to vote for CAA3 has reportedly angered sections of the ruling party, with some party members calling for disciplinary measures against those accused of disloyalty.
A senior party source said the reshuffle could be used to send a strong message to officials who failed to support the President on an issue regarded as critical to Zanu PF and Government.
"The reshuffle is going to deal with all disloyal ministers. The President is expected to fire all rebels. This is not going to be business as usual because the issue of loyalty has now become very important within the party," the source said.
The source said the changes could also be used to distinguish officials considered loyal to Mnangagwa from those perceived to be working against his political interests.
"The reshuffle is expected to weed out those who are working against the President. Those who are seen as working against the President cannot expect to continue enjoying positions of responsibility as if nothing happened," the source said.
Meanwhile, pressure is reportedly mounting on Zanu PF leadership to discipline the MPs, with sources saying some party members are preparing to petition the party leadership and Mnangagwa to take action.
Among the MPs cited as having failed to vote for CAA3 are Joel Sithole, Rajesh Kumar Modi, Barbara Rwodzi, Tongai Mnangagwa, Dingumuzi Phuti and Ozias Bvute.
The issue has reportedly remained contentious in some provinces, where party members are demanding action against the lawmakers.
"Party members are very angry in the provinces. The issue of MPs who failed to vote is not yet over. They want the party to take action against those MPs because they believe that the matter cannot simply be forgotten after such an important vote," another source said.
The source said the stakes had been raised by the enactment of CAA3, which provides for the President to be elected by Parliament.
"As you know, the President will be elected in Parliament. It is now high time for the party to axe all disloyal MPs or the party President will fail to win Parliament," the source said.
CAA3 has since passed through Parliament and was assented to by Mnangagwa, making it law.
If implemented, the reported Cabinet reshuffle could become a significant test of loyalty within Zanu PF as the ruling party seeks to strengthen discipline and consolidate support around Mnangagwa following the passage of the constitutional amendment.
Sources close to the ruling party said several ministers and deputy ministers who were among the lawmakers who did not vote for the constitutional amendment could lose their Government positions in the anticipated changes.
Those reportedly facing possible removal include Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister Angeline Gata, Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs Minister Marian Chombo, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Sheilla Chikomo, Skills Audit Minister Jenifan Muswere and ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera, among others.
The 14 MPs' failure to vote for CAA3 has reportedly angered sections of the ruling party, with some party members calling for disciplinary measures against those accused of disloyalty.
A senior party source said the reshuffle could be used to send a strong message to officials who failed to support the President on an issue regarded as critical to Zanu PF and Government.
"The reshuffle is going to deal with all disloyal ministers. The President is expected to fire all rebels. This is not going to be business as usual because the issue of loyalty has now become very important within the party," the source said.
The source said the changes could also be used to distinguish officials considered loyal to Mnangagwa from those perceived to be working against his political interests.
"The reshuffle is expected to weed out those who are working against the President. Those who are seen as working against the President cannot expect to continue enjoying positions of responsibility as if nothing happened," the source said.
Among the MPs cited as having failed to vote for CAA3 are Joel Sithole, Rajesh Kumar Modi, Barbara Rwodzi, Tongai Mnangagwa, Dingumuzi Phuti and Ozias Bvute.
The issue has reportedly remained contentious in some provinces, where party members are demanding action against the lawmakers.
"Party members are very angry in the provinces. The issue of MPs who failed to vote is not yet over. They want the party to take action against those MPs because they believe that the matter cannot simply be forgotten after such an important vote," another source said.
The source said the stakes had been raised by the enactment of CAA3, which provides for the President to be elected by Parliament.
"As you know, the President will be elected in Parliament. It is now high time for the party to axe all disloyal MPs or the party President will fail to win Parliament," the source said.
CAA3 has since passed through Parliament and was assented to by Mnangagwa, making it law.
If implemented, the reported Cabinet reshuffle could become a significant test of loyalty within Zanu PF as the ruling party seeks to strengthen discipline and consolidate support around Mnangagwa following the passage of the constitutional amendment.
Source - The Herald
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
