By Advent Shoko
Harare – President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has reshuffled three key Cabinet ministers, signaling possible shifts in Zimbabwe’s political and governance landscape.
Effective immediately, Dr. Jenfan Muswere has been moved from the Ministry of Information to helm the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development, Prof. Paul Mavima now leads National Housing and Social Amenities, while Dr. Zhemu Soda takes over Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services from Housing.
The announcement, issued through the Office of the President and Cabinet on 11 February 2026, offered no reasons for the reassignments. Yet insiders and political commentators suggest a mix of factional ZANU-PF dynamics, policy gaps, and administrative tensions likely influenced the shuffle.
One source familiar with the President’s recent engagements noted Muswere’s halted attempt to overhaul the ZBC board shortly after Mnangagwa’s return from abroad, a move that may have ruffled feathers in the ruling party’s hierarchy. Meanwhile, critics argue the reshuffle underscores growing challenges in housing delivery, workforce skills, and media management, areas that have been under scrutiny in recent months.
Opposition voices were quick to weigh in, describing the changes as a symptom of deeper unrest within the ruling party. “Cabinet reshuffles often appear cosmetic, but they reveal the undercurrents of factionalism and policy friction,” said one opposition analyst who requested anonymity.
Dr. Martin Rushwaya, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, confirmed the reassignments in a statement:
“In terms of Section 104, Subsection (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, His Excellency the President, Cde. Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has re-assigned the under-listed Ministers as follows:
- Hon. Dr. Jenfan Muswere: Minister of Skills Audit and Development
- Hon. Prof. Paul Mavima: Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities
- Hon. Dr. Zhemu Soda: Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services
The re-assignments are with immediate effect.”
The development comes barely hours after the president kicked off official government business for 2026 with a clear, no-nonsense message to his Cabinet declaring, “this is a year for delivery, not excuses.”
Chairing the first Cabinet meeting of the year at Munhumutapa Office on Tuesday morning, Mnangagwa set the tone early, stressing discipline, speed and results as the pillars that must guide government work going forward.
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