Maravi

(HERALD) Axe hangs over 7 ministers

Axe hangs over 7 ministers
Herald Reporters

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai is reportedly set to drop and seek the reassignment of several Cabinet ministers from MDC-T in what has been interpreted to be another manifestation of divisions within the party.

At least seven ministers and deputy ministers are likely to be affected by the changes, which sources said the PM could announce today.

Insiders yesterday said those who could be changed are Engineer Elias Mudzuri (Energy and Power Development), Giles Mutsekwa (co-Home Affairs), Theresa Makone (Public Works), Nelson Chamisa (ICT), Jameson Timba (deputy Media, Information and Publicity), Thamsanqa Mahlangu (deputy Youth) and Evelyn Masaiti (deputy Gender).

Minister Makone is likely to get the energy portfolio while Deputy Minister Timba could move to the Prime Minister’s Office.

On the other hand, Minister Mutsekwa could be dropped altogether.

Deputy Minister Mahlangu could see his job being taken over by MDC-T’s Masvingo provincial chair Tongai Matutu.

It was not clear at the time of writing what would become of Ministers Mudzuri and Chamisa and deputy ministers Masaiti and Mahlangu.

However, the PM cannot appoint ministers or their deputies and can only submit a list of his preferences for the President’s consideration.

It is understood that he last week communicated to President Mugabe that he wanted to recall some MDC-T Government staff, but was advised against doing so.

A senior aide of his said: "He told us he talked to President Mugabe about it and he was advised to slow down. However, he is determined to see through the changes.

"He has not, as far as I am aware, formally written to the President to ask him to effect any changes."

Another source said: "The changes have been discussed at the highest levels in the party for about four months now. An announcement was supposed to be made on Monday but it seems it will be made tomorrow (today).

"Any changes will require President Mugabe’s approval."

On Monday an official in the PM’s Office called The Herald to a Press conference at Harvest House — MDC-T’s headquarters — but it was subsequently cancelled.

Yesterday, another official told The Herald to be on standby for the Press conference, which again did not materialise.

The changes, insiders said, are meant to neutralise a faction said to be insisting on holding a scheduled congress next year during which a new leader should be elected to replace PM Tsvangirai, whose constitutional mandate will be up.

It is understood that the changes were initially targeted at Finance Minister Tendai Biti, but donors had impressed on PM Tsvangirai that they would not countenance his removal from his current office.

Party spokesperson Mr Chamisa declined to comment on the matter.

However, another official said: "Heads are set to roll. Big names are going to fall in this reshuffle. A number of new guys will come in.

"The idea is to allow other people to try their hand and maybe they will run the portfolios in a better way for the good of the nation."

Apart from recalling the seven ministers, the party has asked all party employees based at Harvest House to re-apply for their jobs.

"Interviews will be held next week on Monday. Deputy party president (Thokozani) Khupe and deputy secretary-general (Tapiwa) Mashakada have been assigned to carry out the interviews," an official said.

The power struggles in MDC-T saw party director-general Mr Toendepi Shonhe being assaulted by youths in April for allegedly undermining PM Tsvangirai’s authority.

The youths were later fired from the party while senior officials in five provinces have been suspended.

Labels: CABINET, MORGAN TSVANGIRAI, NATIONAL UNITY GOVERNMENT

posted by MrK @ 3:59 AM