By Tapiwa Chawagarira
HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has made sweeping changes within government, appointing new officials, reassigning permanent secretaries and renewing key contracts in a move aimed at strengthening public sector efficiency and accelerating the implementation of national development programmes.
The appointments, announced through the Office of the President and Cabinet by Chief Secretary Dr. Martin Rushwaya in statements will take effect from May 1.
Among the notable appointments is that of Tsitsi Zhou, MP, who has been named the new Deputy Minister of Lands and Rural Development.
In a further boost to provincial administration, Dr. Shingirayi Mushamba has been appointed Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, a move expected to strengthen the implementation of devolution policies in the capital.
The reshuffle also saw significant movement among permanent secretaries, with five senior government officials reassigned to strategic ministries.
Simon Masanga takes over the Environment, Climate and Wildlife portfolio, while Dr. Thomas Utete Wushe has been moved to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.
Ambassador Tadeus T. Chifamba will now head the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, with Pfungwa Kunaka assuming duties in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.
Meanwhile, Professor Obert Jiri has been reassigned to the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, a key sector central to Zimbabwe’s food security and economic growth agenda.
The President also made important changes within the Health Service Commission (HSC), renewing the contract of Dr. Rugare A. Kangwende as Deputy Chairperson, with effect from March 1, 2026.
Two new commissioners, Ernest T. Manyawu and Lieutenant Colonel Lioba T. Gunduza, have also been appointed to the commission effective May 1.
The appointments come as government intensifies efforts to enhance institutional performance and drive the country’s Vision 2030 agenda.
The appointments reflect President Mnangagwa’s continued focus on placing experienced technocrats in critical offices to improve service delivery, boost economic productivity and reinforce public sector accountability.
