By Dickson Bandera
In line with his vision towards an Upper Middle Income Economy by 2030, President Emmerson Mnangagwa is making strategic appointments that will ensure effecient implementation and operationalisation of national development strategies.
Since his inauguration as president on September 4 for his second term, president Mnangagwa has been assembling a team made up of technocrats decorated with civil service, diplomatic and private sector experience to lead in the execution of government business.
This Friday afternoon, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya announced another set of key deployments which encompass deputy chief secretaries in the Office of the President and Cabinet, permanent secretaries to ministries, as well as secretaries for provincial affairs and devolution.
Mr Zvinechimwe Churu was retained as the deputy chief secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet responsible for Finance, Administration and Human Resources.
Mr George Charamba remains the deputy chief secretary presidential in the Office of the President and Cabinet responsible for Presidential Communications.
Mr Willard Manungo; deputy chief secretary of Policy Analysis, Coordination and Development Planning.
Rev. Paul Damasane is still deputy chief secretary responsible for Social Services while Engineer Amos Marawa is deputy chief secretary for Coordination of National Programmes and Projects.
President Mnangagwa also appointed permanent secretaries in terms of Section 205 (1) of the constitution which gives the President the authority to appoint permanent secretaries after consultation with the Public Service Commission.
Nine permanent secretaries retained their previous ministries, and these are Mr Aaron Nhepera, Ministry of Defence; Dr George Guvamatanga, Finance, Economic Development Investment Promotion ministry; Mr Pfungwa Kunaka, Ministry of Mines and Mining Development; Mr Nick Mangwana, Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services; Dr Eng Gloria Magombo, Energy and Power Development; Ambassador James Manzou, Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Dr Beaullar Chirume, Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services ministry and Mr Simon Masanga, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.
Prof. Fanuel Tagwira remains at the Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development. Prof Tagwira was awarded the best Preforming Secretary at the President’s Awards for Performance Excellence in Service Delivery in 2021.
Dr Thomas Utete Ushe has been deployed to the Industry and Commerce ministry. Dr Aspect Maunganidze replaces Dr Jasper Chimedza at the Health and Child Care ministry.
Mr Raphael Faranisi moves to Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, while Dr John Basera who was at the ministry of Lands and Agriculture ministry moves to Local Government and Public Works.
Mrs Vimbai Nyemba joins the Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs while Dr Mavis Sibanda switched to the Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development.
Mr Moses Mhike is now new permanent secretary for Primary and Secondary Education.
The Skills Audit and Development ministry welcomes former Zimbabwean Ambassador to France, Amb Rudo Chitiga.
At the Environment, Climate and Wildlife ministry, Dr Prosper Matondi takes over while renowned researcher and academic, Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa assumes duty at the Tourism and Hospitality Industry ministry.
Transport and Infrastructural Development has a new permanent secretary, Engineer Pedzisayi Makumbe, a tried and tested civil engineer.
National Arts Council Director, Mr Nicholas Moyo becomes secretary at the Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Development.
Engineer Thedius Chinyanga will be the permanent secretary in the National Housing and Social Amenities. Eng Chinyanga once served as secretary in the same ministry before his transfer to the transport ministry in 2020.
Professor Obert Jiri was promoted to permanent secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. Prof Jiri, a renowned agronomy expert and lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe was chief director responsible for Agricultural Advisory Services in the same ministry.
Treasury’s Chief Director Communications Mr Clive Mpambela has been moved from the finance ministry to the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs.
Former Permanent Secretary for Public Sector Reforms and Performance Management in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr Solomon Mhlanga moves to the ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training.
Mr Tafadzwa Muguti becomes the permanent secretary in Office of the President, Presidential Affairs.
The following have been appointed Secretaries for Provincial Affairs and Devolution:
Bulawayo, Paul Nyoni
Harare, Cosmas Chiringa
Masvingo, Addmore Pazvakavambwa.
Midlands, Edgars Seenza
Manicaland, Abiot Maronge
Mashonaland Central, Timothy Maregere
Mashonaland East, Tavabarira Kutamahufa
Mashonaland West, Josphat Jaji
Matabeleland North, Sithandiwe Ncube
Matabeleland South, Latiso Dhlamini.
