PH
Following his re-election, President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed his son, David Kudakwashe Mnangagwa, as deputy finance minister in a new government.
The move has raised concerns about nepotism within the government.
David Mnangagwa, 34, will be Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s deputy, and the president’s nephew, Tongai Mafidhi Mnangagwa, has been named deputy minister of tourism and hospitality. According to local media, this decision is part of the newly formed cabinet, which includes 26 ministries.
Fadzayi Mahere, a Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) politician, blasted President Mnangagwa’s cabinet, calling it “indefensible.” She raised worries about the government’s legitimacy, corruption, brutality, nepotism, incompetence, and ethical flaws.
President Mnangagwa also named a husband and wife duo, Christopher and Monica Mutsvangwa, as ministers, which aroused eyebrows. Christopher Mutsvangwa will lead the new Veterans of Liberation Ministry, while Monica Mutsvangwa will lead the new Women’s Affairs and SMEs Ministry.
David Mnangagwa, who recently graduated from the University of Zimbabwe with a law degree, was elected to the Zanu PF party list from Midlands province using the youth quota system. He is one of nearly two dozen offspring of President Mnangagwa.
Tongai Mnangagwa represents the Zanu PF constituency of Hunyani in Parliament. President Mnangagwa’s younger brother, David Mnangagwa, was his late father.
According to reports, President Mnangagwa is apparently considering giving another of his sons, Emmerson Junior, an official position in his administration. According to sources, Emmerson Junior has already taken part in the president’s talks with international investors, and plans are in the works to formalize his status, maybe as an adviser or director.
This dispute follows President Mnangagwa’s re-election amid opposition charges of electoral fraud. His acts, critics believe, contribute to a sense of dynastic politics in Africa, following in the footsteps of other leaders who have chosen family members to critical government positions.
President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of Congo-Brazzaville chose his son Denis-Christel as a cabinet minister, sparking suspicions of dynastic succession.
President Teodoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea appointed his son, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, as vice president, while President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon replaced his father, Omar Bongo, who governed for decades.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame promoted his daughter, Ange Kagame, to a crucial position in his administration, adding to the continent’s discussion of political dynasties.
