Nepotism claims as Mnangagwa appoints relatives

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is facing criticism for appointing his son, David Kudakwashe Mnangagwa, as the Deputy Finance Minister in a new Cabinet following his re-election. The move has raised concerns about nepotism within the government, an africanews report says. David Mnangagwa will serve as the deputy to Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, while the President's nephew, Tongai Mafidhi Mnangagwa, was also named Deputy Minister of Tourism & Hospitality. This decision is part of the newly-constituted Cabinet consisting of 26 ministries, local media reported. Fadzayi Mahere, a lawmaker from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), criticised Mnangagwa's Cabinet, describing it as ‘indefensible.’ She highlighted concerns about legitimacy, corruption, violence, nepotism, incompetence, and ethical issues within the government. In another move that raised eyebrows, Mnangagwa appointed a husband and wife team, Christopher and Monica Mutsvangwa, as Ministers. Christopher Mutsvangwa will lead the new Ministry of Veterans of Liberation, while Monica Mutsvangwa is the new Minister of Women's Affairs & SMEs. David Mnangagwa, who recently graduated with a law degree from the University of Zimbabwe, entered Parliament through the youth quota system on the Zanu PF party list. He is one of Mnangagwa's reported nearly two dozen children. Reports suggest that Mnangagwa is also considering an official role in his office for another of his sons, Emmerson Junior. Sources indicate that Emmerson Junior has already participated in the President's meetings with foreign investors, and there are plans to formalise his role, possibly as an adviser or director.