Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sparked outrage by appointing his son, David Mnangagwa, as deputy minister to the country's finance ministry on September 12. This move, along with other family appointments in the cabinet, has led to accusations of nepotism and concerns about the country's economic crisis, CNN reported.
The 34-year-old David Mnangagwa was among 26 officials sworn in as cabinet ministers, and he will serve as deputy to Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube. President Mnangagwa's nephew, Tongai, was also appointed as deputy minister in the tourism ministry.
Critics have accused Mnangagwa of turning Zimbabwe into a "family business" and creating a dynasty. Zimbabwe is grappling with severe economic problems, including high inflation, a rising cost of living, and a currency that has lost more than half its value to the US dollar in recent months. The country also has significant debt arrears.
Economics professor Gift Mugano expressed skepticism about the appointments, calling them nepotism. He argued that Zimbabwe's economy requires capable individuals to address its longstanding issues and questioned the suitability of David Mnangagwa, who recently completed his law degree, for such a critical ministry.
David Mnangagwa, who had previously worked as an actuarial associate in the United States, was selected as a member of parliament through a youth quota arrangement within the ruling Zanu-PF party. He expressed surprise at his appointment, describing it as "one of the toughest portfolios."
Zimbabwe's information secretary, Nick Mangwana, defended the inclusion of relatives in the cabinet, arguing that there are qualified individuals among the pool of MPs. He emphasized that their familial ties should not disqualify them from nomination.
The opposition CCC party, which came second in last month's disputed elections, criticized the cabinet appointments, particularly those of Christopher and Monica Mutsvangwa, associates of President Mnangagwa who are both ministers. The party referred to the cabinet as the worst since Zimbabwe's independence in 1980 and a missed leadership opportunity.
President Mnangagwa was sworn in for his second five-year term amid concerns about the credibility of the elections, which were marred by irregularities, according to observers. The appointments have raised further questions about his leadership and priorities.
Earlier Daryo reported that Emmerson Mnangagwa re-elected as Zimbabwe's president.
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