Proper cabinet reshuffle looms

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PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe is likely to reshuffle cabinet soon after returning from his annual holiday in the Far East, despite last weeks changes, which will see several ministers and their deputies, most of whom are linked to former vice-president Joice Mujuru, dumped. Faith Zaba/ Elias Mambo

The reshuffle which will follow last weeks replacement of dismissed pro-Mujuru ministers would likely see First Lady Grace Mugabe enter cabinet as Womens Affairs and Gender Development minister, taking over from Oppah Muchinguri. Mugabe did not appoint anyone to the portfolio when he announced new cabinet ministers last week despite initially drafting in Victoria Chitepo before she was inexplicably dropped.

Muchinguri was reassigned to the Ministry of Higher Education, replacing Olivia Muchena who was dismissed together with Mujuru and seven other ministers, accused of plotting to topple and assassinate Mugabe.

Senior government sources said Grace was already preparing to take up the post as she has ordered department heads from the ministry to submit reports to her.

The First Lady is preparing to take up the post. She has told all department heads to submit reports related to programmes and staffing to her, which they have done, he said.

Grace cant wait to come in. The norm has been that the party secretary for Womens Affairs is appointed Minister of Womens Affairs.

Grace was recently confirmed as the Womens League boss at the just-ended congress (December 2-7), making her the most powerful woman in the ruling party after the recent ejection of Mujuru from the politburo and government.

Constitutional expert Lovemore Madhuku said Mugabe has to drop one of his five appointees in order to accommodate Grace.

According to the constitution, ministers or deputy ministers are supposed to be members of parliament; however the president has the leeway to appoint five individuals into parliament.

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Proper cabinet reshuffle looms