80-year-old Zimbabwe’s President appoints son, nephew as deputy ministers

President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, 80, faced criticism on Monday after he appointed his son, David Kudakwashe Mnangagwa, and his nephew, Tongai Mafidhi Mnangagwa as deputy ministers in a new cabinet following his re-election.

This move has called for concern about nepotism rising within the government. Local media reported that Mnangagwa’s son will serve as the deputy to Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube, while his nephew, Tongai Mafidhi Mnangagwa, is to serve as the deputy minister of tourism and hospitality.

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This decision is part of the newly constituted cabinet consisting of 26 ministries. Meanwhile, a lawmaker from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Fadzayi Mahere, criticised Mnangagwa’s cabinet, describing it as “indefensible.”

She raised concerns about legitimacy, corruption, v£nc£, nepotism, incompetence, and ethical issues within the government.