By Munacho Gwamanda- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed two new deputy ministers just two days after firing Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs Minister Apollonia Mudzwerengwi, a move widely seen as part of the ongoing political tussle between him and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
Mudzwerengwi, a known ally of Chiwenga, was dismissed from her post for allegedly mobilizing support for the Vice President, fueling speculation of an intensified power struggle between the two leaders as the battle for Zanu PF’s future leadership heats up.
In a statement released Thursday, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya announced that Mnangagwa had appointed Caleb Makwiranzou as Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, responsible for Oil and Gas Research, and Albert Tawanda Mavunga as Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, overseeing Local Authorities and Traditional Leadership.
Mudzwerengwi’s dismissal is widely seen as Mnangagwa’s attempt to weaken Chiwenga’s influence within Zanu PF structures.
She was reportedly a key mobilizer for the Vice President in Mashonaland East, a strategic province in the ruling party’s internal politics.
The fallout between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga has been brewing since the 2017 military coup that ousted longtime ruler Robert Mugabe.
Chiwenga, who played a pivotal role in bringing Mnangagwa to power, was initially seen as a kingmaker but has since been sidelined as Mnangagwa consolidates his grip on power.
Over the past few years, Mnangagwa has systematically removed or neutralized key figures aligned with Chiwenga, including senior military personnel who played significant roles in the coup.
The appointment of Makwiranzou and Mavunga is seen as part of Mnangagwa’s broader strategy to strengthen his hold on key government institutions and reward loyalists.
The mining sector, which Makwiranzou will help oversee, is one of Zimbabwe’s most lucrative industries, often entangled with high-level political manoeuvring.
Meanwhile, Mavunga’s role in local government will be crucial in managing traditional leaders, who play a significant role in rural political mobilization—a key voter base for Zanu PF.
Mnangagwa’s recent political maneuvers indicate that the battle for succession within Zanu PF is far from over.
As 2028 approaches, when Mnangagwa is expected to seek a controversial third term, tensions within the ruling party are likely to escalate, with Chiwenga and his allies potentially pushing back against the President’s consolidation of power.