adminProsper Ndlovu Senior Reporter
THE Matabeleland political and traditional leadership yesterday welcomed the new Cabinet, saying it is an exciting blend of youth and mature leadership.Civil servants unions and students also praised President Mugabe for coming up with an exciting team and urged all Zimbabweans to have confidence in the new Cabinet.
The 26-member Cabinet was sworn-in by President Mugabe at State House yesterday following its unveiling on Tuesday.
Zanu-PF Politburo member Cde Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu said the new Cabinet was capable of taking the nation forward.
“The calibre of Ministers that have been appointed is impressive and capable of taking the nation forward,” said Cde Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu.
“They have the support of the people and we should have confidence in them.”
Former Bulawayo Mayor and disability activist Cde Joshua Malinga commended the new Cabinet, saying its composition allows the transfer of knowledge between the old and new Ministers.
“The Cabinet is a good mixture of the old and the new horses. The new horses will bring new ideas while old ones will share their experience. I urge the appointed Ministers not to work for their villages, districts or provinces alone but for every Zimbabwean,” said Cde Malinga.
“They should know that they are now Ministers for the whole of Zimbabwe and should emulate President Mugabe who is a leader for everyone. We do not want a situation where people from Bulawayo for instance complain that they are being neglected by a certain Minister. The Ministers should assist every part of the country.”
Academic and educationist as well as Zanu-PF Politburo member Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu said the Cabinet was appointed at the right time after thorough consideration on merit.
He said there was no delay in appointing the Cabinet as reported in some sections of the media.
“I congratulate President Mugabe for appointing this forward looking Cabinet. I also congratulate all Cabinet appointees and assure them of full support in the discharge of their duties,” said Dr Ndlovu.
“Their appointment was done on record time because the President needed time to scrutinise each person and consider representation at national level.
“This is a team of tried and tested leaders who can take the country to the future. There are old and new Ministers for purposes of grooming the young ones.”
Dr Ndlovu scoffed at sentiments that the Cabinet was made up of the old guard, saying the presence of experienced Ministers was crucial for continuity.
“Having an old guard is a credit to the nation. We have no doubt that these are the people who will fulfill the ideals of the liberation struggle in line with our manifesto. They will enhance continuity of the party’s programmes, which made us win the elections,” he said.
Former Matabeleland North Governor Senator Thokozile Mathuthu said the appointment of the new Cabinet was a confirmation of Zanu-PF’s consistency and commitment to serving the masses.
“I see a lot of experience and commitment in the appointed Ministers. UPresident ube lelihlo elibanzi sibili. These are the people who can preserve the party’s policies,” said Senator Mathuthu. “There is a lot of expectation from the electorate after stagnation during the Inclusive Government and what is left now is for the Cabinet to work hard.
Let them stick to the manifesto, which spells out the roadmap for development.”
Zanu-PF Matabeleland South deputy provincial secretary for information and publicity Cde Jabulani Phetshu said his province was fully represented in the Cabinet.
“We thank President Mugabe for doing a good job by rewarding our province when he appointed four full Cabinet Ministers as a form of appreciation for winning all the 13 seats in the province,” said Cde Phetshu.
“Those who were appointed Cdes Simon Khaya Moyo, Kembo Mohadi, Andrew Langa and Abednigo Ncube are loyal, tried and tested cadres who will spearhead development in Matabeleland South. Cde Khaya Moyo uplifted Matabeleland South by winning all the seats, which shows that he is a good leader who has all the capabilities to coordinate development in all seven administrative districts in the province.”
The Deputy President of the Chiefs’ Council, Chief Mtshane Khumalo of Bubi said the new Cabinet was made up of deserving leaders who have a traceable record in public service.
“We are happy that there is now direction after the appointment of the Cabinet. Most people in that team are experienced and have the required knowledge. I believe this Cabinet will deliver. They should focus on the huge task that lies ahead and work for the people,” said Chief Mtshane.
The president of the Apex Council, an umbrella body for civil servants unions, Mr David Dzatsunga said the nation was pinning its hopes on the new Cabinet and urged Ministers to stick to their mandate.
“We are happy that the Cabinet is in place. Unlike during the Inclusive Government we will now be able to engage the Government effectively on our concerns,” said Mr Dzatsunga who also leads the College Lecturers Association of Zimbabwe (Colaz).
“We now expect this Cabinet to focus on outstanding issues such as recognising civil servants according to their qualifications, paying them salaries in light of the Poverty Datum Line and bridging the gap between college and university lecturers’ salaries.”
Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union (Zicosu) president Mr Farai Mteliso commended President Mugabe for appointing experienced Ministers but expressed reservations over the proportion of youthful Ministers.
“The appointed Ministers are educated gurus with a lot of experience. However, we had expected to see more youthful ministers since the youth constitute the majority of the population,” said Mr Mteliso.
“We expect our new Minister Dr Olivia Muchena to invite student leaders and discuss funding for students as a matter of urgency. We want student loans and grants back. We also want the indigenisation programme to unlock opportunities for students.”
Bulawayo based political analyst Mr Dumisani Mpofu also said the appointment of a new Cabinet was a step towards progress.
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