By Political Reporter- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has tasked Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri with representing Zimbabwe at the inauguration of Ghana’s 14th President, John Mahama.

Muchinguri steps in for Acting President Kembo Mohadi, who assumed the role last Tuesday when Mnangagwa began his annual leave.

However, sources say Mohadi has been struggling to perform the duties due to deteriorating health.

Mohadi’s co-deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, is also on annual leave and is expected to return at the end of the month to relieve Mohadi for 10 days before Mnangagwa resumes office.

Government insiders revealed Mnangagwa’s decision to send Muchinguri instead of Mohadi was due to concerns about Mohadi’s ability to handle the rigorous demands of the trip, fearing he might collapse while abroad.

The 75-year-old leader, who has faced persistent health issues for years.

He once collapsed while delivering a lecture at the University of Zimbabwe, an incident that alarmed the nation.

Eyewitnesses reported that he appeared disoriented and asked for water before losing consciousness.

In another unsettling moment, state security agents ordered journalists to delete footage of Mohadi collapsing during a campaign rally in Gutu, Masvingo, in October 2023.

His health woes have also led to him missing key government events, including a high-profile occasion officiated by Mnangagwa in Chikomba, where 17 schools were commissioned.

Besides health struggles, Mohadi has been embroiled in scandals tarnishing his reputation.

His infamous resignation in 2021 following leaked audio tapes of alleged sexual misconduct left a lasting stain on his political career.

The tapes reportedly captured compromising conversations between Mohadi and multiple women, including married subordinates.

Despite denying the allegations, the scandal forced his temporary exit from public office.

Efforts to obtain an official comment from Mohadi’s office were unsuccessful at the time of publication.