BREAKING: President Mnangagwa fires Information Deputy Minister

Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday fired the Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Energy Mutodi.

No reason was immediately given for the termination.

But Mutodi, who was appointed to the post in September 2018, was well known for posting controversial statements on social media, at times drawing rebuke from senior government officials.

In a statement, Permanent Secretary, Presidential Communications, Regis Chikowore said the termination was with immediate effect.

“The Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda has announced the termination of employment by His Excellency, the President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Dr Energy Mutodi as Deputy Minister of Government in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services,” Chikowore said.

“The termination which is with immediate effect, is in terms of Section108 (1a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No 20) of 2013.”

Mutodi earlier Wednesday attended the burial of national hero, Absolom Sikhosana, in his capacity as deputy minister.

Only last week, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Dr Sibusiso Moyo was forced to issue a statement disassociating government from a tweet by Mutodi.

In the tweet, the former deputy information minister praised President Mnangagwa for his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic while criticising Tanzanian President John Magufuli for his management of the same.

The Tanzanian Embassy in Harare had protested over the tweet.
New Ziana