We’ve just received this announcement of a Cabinet reshuffle from the MDC. Their objective may well be real change. But unfortunately I don’t have a lot of confidence that the new office bearers will be that much more effective than their predecessors. Firstly, what relevant experience will they bear to their new posts? And more importantly, what hope would anyone ever really have in effecting real change in a compromised “inclusive” government with the former ruling party?

The Prime Minister himself lists the reasons why this reshuffle is necessary, including:

• The pace of reform has been painfully slow
• Abuses of power are still all too common
• Many people are still struggling to make a living wage, and provide for their families
• Infrastructure rehabilitation and energy supply continue to inhibit development

But shuffling a few Ministers around is the classic “lipstick on a frog” to a flawed, compromise government.

Read the full statement below.

Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen, I am here today to announce a ministerial reshuffle. This reshuffle is about the MDC delivering to the people of Zimbabwe. what they are looking for – real change.

Over the past 16 months, we have recorded definite success in certain areas.

• We have brought sanity and stability to the economy.
• We have revived the health sector, which had all but collapsed.
• We have got the schools back up and running, and textbooks distributed.
• We now have independent daily newspapers registered to operate.
• Basic services such as sewerage reticulation, refuse collection and water provision have been restored in many areas.

However, we still have many challenges; and these frankly overshadow our successes to-date.

• The pace of reform has been painfully slow
• Abuses of power are still all too common
• Many people are still struggling to make a living wage, and provide for their families.
• Infrastructure rehabilitation and energy supply continue to inhibit development.

I am acutely aware that these and other challenges have led to a loss of confidence in the new administration amongst the electorate. In response to this, as Prime Minister and President of the MDC, I have just completed a comprehensive review of the performance of the Government, and in particular of my Office and those Ministers who represent the MDC.

As a result, I have decided on a number of changes needed to strengthen the performance of the MDC in government and outside government, in order to deliver real change to the people of Zimbabwe. These changes, are being made with immediate effect, and the new ministers will be sworn in tomorrow, Thursday 24th June.

The changes that are being implemented are as follows:
The following Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers are being redeployed within the Party to strengthen and add momentum to Party programmes:

• Elias Mudzuri, formerly Minister of Energy and Power Development, and the Party’s National Organiser
• Fidelis Mhashu, formerly Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, and the Party’s National Executive Member for Chitungwiza
• Evelyn Masaiti, formerly Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs, Gender & Community Development, and the Party’s Secretary of the Women’s Assembly
• Thamasanqa Mhalangu, formerly Deputy Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation & Empowerment, and the Party’s National Youth Chairperson.

The following will become Cabinet Ministers:

• Jameson Timba, formerly Deputy Minister of Media, Information & Publicity, will become Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office
• Tapiwa Mashakada, will become Minister of Economic Planning & Investment Promotion

The following will become Deputy Ministers:

• Gift Chimanikire will become Deputy Minister of Mines & Mining Development
• Obert Gutu will become Deputy Minister of Justice & Legal Affairs.
• Tongai Matutu will become Deputy Minister of Youth, Indigenisation & Empowerment

The following Cabinet Ministers will change portfolios, as follows:

• Elton Mangoma formerly Minister of Economic Planning & Investment Promotion, will become Minister of Energy & Power Development
• Theresa Makone, formerly Minister of Public Works, will become Minister of Home Affairs
• Giles Mutsekwa, formerly Minister of Home Affairs, will become co-Minister of Housing & Social Amenities
• Gorden Moyo, formerly Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, will become Minister of State Enterprises & Parastatals
• Joel Gabuza, formerly Minister of State Enterprises & Parastatals, will become Minister of Public Works

The following Deputy Ministers will change portfolios, as follows:

• Murisi Zvizvai, formerly Deputy Minister of Mines & Mining Development, will become Deputy Minister of Media, Information & Publicity
• Jesse Majome, formerly Deputy Minister of Justice & Legal Affairs, will become Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs, Gender & Community Development

Ladies and Gentlemen, the MDC agreed to form this inclusive Government as it represented the most practical means of moving Zimbabwe forward and halt the needless suffering of the people. In undertaking this task I have been humbled and encouraged by the commitment of all members of the MDC’s leadership, both within and outside of Government and I believe we are truly embodying the principles of a Party of Excellence.

I therefore wish to thank those Ministers and Deputy Ministers who are returning to the Party for their commitment and hard work and I call upon those remaining in the Government and our new Ministers and Deputy Ministers to join me in redoubling our efforts to deliver real change to the people of Zimbabwe.

- Morgan Tsvangirai, MDC President and Prime Minister of Zimbabwe

This entry was posted on June 23rd, 2010 at 2:10 pm by Amanda Atwood and is filed under Governance. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.