The Opposition Citizen Coalitions for Change (CCC) has expressed strong dissatisfaction after President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed his family members and loyalists to key ministerial positions. In the recent cabinet announcement, Mnangagwa appointed his son David Kudakwashe as Deputy Finance Minister and his nephew Tongai as Deputy Tourism Minister.
Spokesperson for the CCC, Promise Mkwananzi, criticized the new cabinet as an “illegitimate and dangerous dynasty.”
Opposition legislator Fadzayi Mahere sarcastically remarked, “nyika inovakwa nevana vangu,” referencing the popular Zanu PF mantra “nyika inotongwa nevene vayo” (the country is built by its owners).
"Nyika inotongwa nevana vangu.”
— Fadzayi Mahere🇿🇼 (@advocatemahere) September 11, 2023
Mnangagwa’s lawyer, Tinomuda Chinyoka, defended the appointments, especially that of David Kudakwashe, citing his qualifications. Chinyoka emphasized that Kudakwashe holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Zimbabwe, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Actuarial Science from Drake University, and has worked as an actuarial associate in the United States for a reputable global insurance company. He is also the founder and CEO of a private equity investment and advisory firm focused on financial services, mining, real estate, and construction in Zimbabwe and the Southern African region.
In addition, Kudakwashe has other tertiary qualifications from Malaysia and has held non-executive board positions in various Zimbabwean institutions.
Chinyoka also pointed out that one of Kudakwashe’s companies won a tender from an all-MDC Council in Gweru to renovate Kudzanayi Terminus, transforming it from an eyesore into a modern bus interchange with sheltered markets and safe storage for vendors.
