Zimbabwe President Appoints Son & Nephew as Deputy Ministers

Following his reelection, President Emmerson Mnangagwa formed a new cabinet and appointed his son, David Kudakwashe Mnangagwa, as the deputy finance minister. The legitimacy, corruption, brutality, nepotism, ineptitude, and ethical problems within the government have all been brought up as a result of this action. The president’s nephew, Tongai Mafidhi Mnangagwa, was also appointed deputy minister of tourism and hospitality.

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MP Fadzayi Mahere criticised Mnangagwa’s cabinet, calling it “indefensible” and pointing up problems with legitimacy, corruption, violence, nepotism, ineptitude, and ethical difficulties. In addition, Mnangagwa named a husband-and-wife pair, Christopher and Monica Mutsvangwa, as ministers, with Monica Mutsvangwa serving as the new minister of Women’s Affairs and SMEs and Christopher Mutsvangwa overseeing the new ministry of Veterans of Liberation.

According to reports, Mnangagwa is considering giving Emmerson Junior, one of his sons, an official position, potentially as an adviser or director. Critics claim that Mnangagwa’s actions, which are in line with those of other leaders who have nominated family members to important government positions, add to the notion of dynastic politics in Africa.