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The Rhodesia Herald, 12 March 1980
MR ROBERT MUGABE was yesterday appointed Prime Minister of Zimbabwe by the Governor, Lord Soames, at Government House in Salisbury. He takes up office on independence day-a date yet to be decided by Britain. And only hours after his appointment, Mr. Mugabe’s official spokesman, Mr. Eddison Zvobgo, announced a Government of 22 Ministers and 13 Deputy Ministers.
The Cabinet includes the Rhodesian Front Member of Parliament for Borrowdale and the former Minister of Finance in the Government of National Unity, Mr. David Smith, and the president of the Commercial Farmers’ Union, Mr. Denis Norman.
Mr. Smith has been appointed Minister of Commerce and Industry. Mr. Norman will be the Minister of Agriculture.
Mr. Mugabe presented his Cabinet list to Lord Soames at Government House yesterday afternoon. The two men had private talks for about 30 minutes before being joined by aides and advisers for another 30 minutes of discussion.
The Governor’s spokesman, Mr. Nicholas Fenn, said later that, Lord Soames had “expressed his admiration for the spirit of national reconciliation in which he (Mr Mugabe) has approached his office.”
At their meeting the Governor passed a message of congratulations and good wishes to Mr. Mugabe from the Prime Minister of Britain, Mrs. Margaret Thatcher.
For the first time in history of the country a woman has been appointed to the cabinet. She is Mrs. Teurai Ropa Nhongo, the wife of the Commander of the ZANLA forces Mr. Rex Nhongo, who will lead the newly created Ministry of Youth, Sports and Recreation.
Online Reporter