PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa’s new Cabinet is not likely to meet expectations of many Zimbabweans who are suffering from the country’s economic hardships, opposition United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) president Elisabeth Valerio has said.
Valerio participated in the August 23 and 24 presidential race and emerged one of the distant losers.
Mnangagwa, who was declared winner has announced a 26-member Cabinet, retaining the bulk of his previous team.
“Mnangagwa's new Cabinet fails to meet the expectations of many Zimbabweans who are suffering from a collapsing economy and a moribund local currency,” Valerio said.
“UZA had hoped President Mnangagwa's Cabinet would show, at least, his concern and efforts to turn around the economy and the fortunes of the people of Zimbabwe, especially young people who bear the brunt of rising unemployment. Instead, the newly-appointed Cabinet falls short in a number of respects.”
Valerio said Mnangagwa’s brazen display of nepotism by appointing his son David Kudakwashe (Finance deputy minister) and nephew Tongai, as Tourism deputy minister was synonymous with dynastic succession.
She called on Mnangagwa to combine some ministries to create a lean Cabinet.
“Ensure 50/50 gender balance in appointments. We acknowledge the delicate and emotive exercise of striving to achieve gender balance and we expect meritocracy to be a criterion when working to establish gender equity.
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“Withdraw appointment of ministers who are past their prime to pave way for accomplished young ministers who have the capacity to bring forward new innovative ideas,” Valerio said.
She also called on Mnangagwa to consult all stakeholders in seeking solutions to the country's challenges, maintaining stability and unifying the nation post-election.
