By A Correspondent
Fresh details have emerged regarding the removal of former Information Minister Jenfan Muswere, with sources indicating that his reassignment followed a tense internal dispute over control of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).
On Wednesday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced a mini-cabinet reshuffle that saw Muswere moved from the influential Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development — a shift widely interpreted as a demotion.
Muswere was replaced by Soda Zhemu, who previously headed the housing ministry. In turn, Paul Mavhima assumed the housing portfolio. The changes were formally communicated by Chief Cabinet Secretary Martin Rushwaya.
Although officially described as routine administrative adjustments, insiders say Muswere’s removal followed a controversial attempt to dismiss ZBC board chairperson Helliate Rushwaya. Muswere had publicly announced her removal and appointed Chipo Nheta as interim board chairperson, with Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa named deputy.
However, the move was swiftly reversed after President Mnangagwa reportedly intervened while on official business in the United Arab Emirates. The reversal forced Muswere into a public climbdown, exposing apparent divisions within the administration over authority at the state broadcaster — a key institution in government communication and political messaging.
The fallout extended beyond political embarrassment. The state-controlled The Herald had reportedly printed around 3,000 copies of the following day’s edition carrying Muswere’s announcement before being ordered to recall them, resulting in significant financial losses.
Government sources suggest the episode heightened tensions within the executive and contributed to growing dissatisfaction over what has been described as inconsistent and poorly coordinated government communication.
Muswere’s transfer from the Information Ministry is now widely viewed as a disciplinary measure, reflecting mounting frustration within senior leadership over strategic messaging and administrative control.
More developments are expected as the reshuffle continues to generate debate within political circles.Is this conversation helpful so far?
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