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NewsDay

AMH is an independent media house free from political ties or outside influence. We have four newspapers: The Zimbabwe Independent, a business weekly published every Friday, The Standard, a weekly published every Sunday, and Southern and NewsDay, our daily newspapers. Each has an online edition.

New cabinet ministers performance appraisal. Part 2

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Kembo Mohadi –– Home Affairs Mohadi has been very quiet as usual. However, the Zimbabwe Republic Police continue to meddle in politics

Kembo Mohadi –– Home Affairs

Mohadi has been very quiet as usual. However, the Zimbabwe Republic Police continue to meddle in politics, including the recent Zanu PF provincial elections. Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri remains partisan and only last week he declared had no apologies for supporting Zanu PF. Some of his actions may well be unconstitutional.

Corruption is rife in the police, with the traffic police being frequently fingered.

The Registrar-General’s Office remains chaotic and the shadowy Israeli security company Nikuv is still ensconced there. Mohadi certainly needs to pull up his socks to sort out the mess.

Saviour Kasukuwere –– Environment, Water and Climate

Kasukuwere’s appointment came amid a poaching disaster that saw 110 elephants being poisoned using cyanide at Hwange National Park, which holds one of the world’s largest herds. The minister was quickly up in arms, declaring war on the poachers.

Through his efforts private companies donated to national parks, with Mbada Diamonds contributing at least 20 patrol vehicles to the National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority for anti-poaching operations in game parks. Kasukuwere has also been active in curbing mining activities causing the siltation of rivers, especially in Mazowe.

However, the closure of mining companies has courted controversy as analysts believe he has been too overzealous and harsh. On the water front, he has been ineffective as shown the water situation countrywide, especially in Bulawayo.

Ignatius Chombo – Local Government, Public Works, Urban Development

He has always been one of the most controversial and disastrous ministers in Mugabe’s government. It’s either he is interfering and firing elected council officials, coming with dubious campaigns like demolishing illegal settlements, reminiscent of Murambatsvina, or he is facing corruption allegations. It’s a tragedy such ministers remain in cabinet, a serious indictment to Mugabe’s leadership.

However, Chombo should be commended for cutting salaries of council bosses and suspending errant councillors, including a Zanu PF Chitungwiza councillor Fredrick Mabamba for illegal land allocations, ironically something he has been accused of. He is also due to introduce performance appraisals for town clerks.

Sydney Sekeramayi –– Defence

The minister was appointed at a time Mozambique was under threat from Renamo rebels and this pressured Zimbabwe to react in order to protect the country’s interests such as the Feruka pipeline and borders.

His ministry has also been cited in shady mining activities through its Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the Zimbabwe Defence Industries. Army commanders have also been caught up in partisan politics, something which violates the constitution. It remains to be seen if he will act.

See part 1 here

The Zimbabwe Independent