President Mnangagwa made important appointments during the 20th ZANU PF Annual National People’s Conference in Gweru. General Philip Valerio Sibanda, the Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), was appointed as an ex-officio member of the ZANU PF Politburo.
Additionally, Cde Rose Mpofu from Matabeleland South province was appointed as the Secretary for People with Disabilities in the Politburo, replacing the late Cde Joshua Teke Malinga.
President Mnangagwa announced these appointments during his closing remarks at the conference. He highlighted the need to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Cde Malinga, who served as the Secretary for People with Disabilities. Cde Rose Mpofu, a respected politician representing Matobo constituency in the National Assembly, was chosen to take on this role.
General Sibanda, whose nom de guerre was Cde Ananias Gwenzi, has a distinguished military background. He assumed the position of ZDF Commander in December 2017, having previously served as Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army.
General Sibanda played a crucial role in the liberation struggle, joining the war in 1973 and receiving training in Morogoro, Tanzania. He later underwent intensive training under the Palestinian Liberation Organisation in Lebanon. His wealth of experience and dedication to the party make him a valuable addition to the ZANU PF Politburo.
Cde Rose Mpofu, a veteran politician, brings her expertise and commitment to her new role as Secretary for People with Disabilities. She has been a strong representative of the ruling party in Matobo constituency, particularly advocating for the rights and needs of women.
These appointments reflect the President’s efforts to ensure effective leadership and representation within the party. The ZANU PF Politburo is the standing committee of the central committee and implements all the decisions, directives, rules and regulations of the central committee. It meets at least once a month and is answerable to the central committee on all matters, and the inclusion of General Sibanda and Cde Mpofu will contribute to the party’s continued progress and development.
