By Tinoonga Mawere Masvingo|Kudakwashe Machako, an ally of First Lady Grace Mugabe has landed a top government post in the Minister of Provincial affairs, Shuvai Ben Mahofa’s office in a move aimed at neutralising Mrs Mugabe’s opponents.
Machako formerly the provincial head in the Ministry of Youth ,Indigenisation and Empowerment ,landed the cosmetic post of director -created to neutralise Grace’s perceived opponents in and out of government. The post was created in September since it was noticed Mahofa was failing to stamp her authority in dealing with anti-Grace elements.
The appointment comes at a time the cash strapped government is failing to pay some civil servants’ salaries and some government employees have gone for up to 3 months without pay. “It is true Machako has been appointed director in Minister Mahofa’s office and I can confirm that the post is new but we are waiting for some clarifications from the head office .Some things have to do with policy changes,” said a source at Benjamin Burombo centre .
Both Mahofa and Machako confirmed the latest development but denied it was a political appointment.
However political observers here believe Machako who was hand picked by Saviour Kasukuwere, an ally of Grace Mugabe, has been roped into the office to neutralise Mrs Mugabeo’s perceived elements.
Machako will be given a top range vehicle among other perks as his incentives at a time the government is staggering salary payments .