Republic of Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and Vice President Joice Mujuru at the swearing in ceremony for the new cabinet., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.
Ministers ready for challenge
September 12, 2013
Felex Share and Elita Chikwati
Zimbabwe Herald
CABINET ministers and their deputies were sworn-in by President Mugabe at State House in Harare yesterday and promised to deliver in their respective portfolios in line with the dictates of the Zanu-PF election manifesto.Twenty-six Cabinet ministers — three Ministers of State and 24 deputies, along with Ministers of State for the country’s 10 provinces — took their oaths of office before President Mugabe.
The ministers, all from Zanu-PF, took oath of office collectively before signing papers, confirming their commitment to the new posts.
First to append her signature was Vice President Joice Mujuru, followed by Senior Minister of State Simon Khaya Moyo in his capacity as the most senior party member among the ministerial contingent, Presidential Affairs Minister Didymus Mutasa, who was followed by Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Webster Shamu.
Media, Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo stole the show, being greeted with a thunderous applause by guests when he stepped in to take his oath.
President Mugabe said Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Andrew Langa had brought good tidings, taking up the ministry on the day the Zimbabwe Warriors defeated South Africa 2-1 on Tuesday in a friendly match.
Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa expressed confidence that the Zanu-PF Government would overcome the sanctions-induced economic challenges.
He said the new administration should continue establishing new economic relations with various countries to bust the embargo.
“It is not a secret that the new frontier of our struggle is the economy,” he said.
“We might have political independence and sovereignty, but this should be buttressed by a performing economy. The responsibility ahead is enormous and we have to bring in sound policies in response. I am confident we will overcome the challenges.”
“Because of sanctions, our trading partners have ended our relationships and we accept that reality and we should work full time to find new economic partners.
“We will work with those who are willing and we have to strengthen our side by ensuring indigenous people participate fully in the national economy because they are a key stakeholder.”
Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Dr Paul Chimedza, said he was ready to roll.
“This is my first time but I am glad I am under a seasoned Minister (Dr David Parirenyatwa) and we shall endeavour to deliver affordable and quality health,” he said.
“Besides being experienced in the medical field, I have corporate experience and I have sat on a number of boards. I will use the interactions and strategies I have used to turn around the fortunes of those companies in the new ministry.”
Minister Moyo— who retained the portfolio he held when he was last in Government in 2005— called for responsible journalism for national development adding that pirate radio and television stations beaming into the country through neighbouring countries should stop in line with resolutions by Sadc.
“I have plans for our party and Government and we will work with all patriotic Zimbabweans who respect the laws of the country and put the country first,” he said.
“Journalists have nothing to fear except fear itself. As Government we exist to advance the interests of the people and we would like citizens to explore opportunities in the media here in Zimbabwe as opposed to outside unless it is for professional growth.
“We and Sadc now have a position on pirate radio and television stations that any member states should not abuse their territory by hosting hostile propaganda and those doing so should stop. In that regard as journalists, exercise your profession but also take responsibility of your country, protect it.”
Sport, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Tabeth Malinga Kanengoni, one of the youthful ministers, said she was ready for the task ahead.
“I am willing to learn the fundamentals from experienced people and I will use my exposure to different cultures to develop our own,” she said.
“I am young but the people put us in office to deliver and that is what we are here for in line with the Zanu-PF manifesto.”
Mines and Mining Development Minister Walter Chidhakwa said while investors were welcome in the mining sector, they should work under the country’s laws.
“We should now move from extraction to an industry focusing on value addition,” he said.
“To the western world, where opportunity avails we are willing to work with them but they should remember that despite bringing their expertise and money, the Zimbabwean people are the owners of the land.”
Said Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Chiratidzo Iris Mlambo: “It is a new task but I am equal to the challenge. The man (Mike Bimha) I will be working with has been with the ministry for the past years, making it easy for me to learn the ropes. The leadership has shown confidence in me and being young is not an excuse and I promise to deliver.”
Lands and Rural Resettlement Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said he was aware of challenges being faced by farmers, particularly resettled ones concerning the issue of 99 year leases.
“I will have to first get into the office and see where the former minister left and I will start from there,” he said.
Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Dr Olivia Muchena said she was going to engender the ministry to ensure more women have access to quality education.
Minister Shamu, who served as Media, Information and Publicity Minister in the last Cabinet said he was ready for the new ministry.
“President Mugabe has given us a task which we must execute for the benefit of the public,” he said.
“He has introduced the computerisation programme in schools and the aim will be to achieve 100 percent e-learning. We must move to the world of today in all sectors and ICTs play an important role in the development of the economy.”
The swearing in ceremony was witnessed by relatives and friends of the ministers.
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