President Mnangagwa Dismisses Apollonia Munzverengwi from Ministerial Post

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has removed Apollonia Munzverengwi from her position as Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution.

The announcement was made on Tuesday evening in a statement by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya. However, no official reasons were provided for her dismissal. Rushwaya stated:

“His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa, has, in terms of Section 108 (1a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, relieved Hon. Apollonia Munzverengwi of her duties as Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mashonaland East, with immediate effect.”

Munzverengwi, a relative of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, had held the post since 2018. Although the statement did not elaborate on the cause of her removal, speculation suggests it could be linked to internal factional struggles within ZANU PF, particularly between supporters of Mnangagwa and Chiwenga.

Tensions reportedly intensified following allegations that Mnangagwa reneged on an earlier agreement to serve only one term (2018-2023) before transferring power to Chiwenga. While Mnangagwa’s backers are pushing for him to extend his presidency beyond 2028, Chiwenga’s allies continue to advocate for his succession.

Meanwhile, Rushwaya also announced that Hwedza North MP, Itayi Ndudzo, has been appointed as the new Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution. Rushwaya stated:

“His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde. Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, has, in terms of Section 104 Subsection (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, appointed Hon. Itayi Ndudzo as Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mashonaland East Province, with immediate effect.”