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Bennett as Deputy Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister.
Bennett was touted as a major outstanding GPA issue by MDC-T and at one point party leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai threatened that MDC-T would not recognise other members of the executive and civil service if Bennett was not sworn in.
But President Mugabe stuck to his guns, vowing Bennett was not suitable for Government and advised MDC-T to find a replacement.
Bennett is in South Africa and has vowed not to return to Zimbabwe unless there is a change of Government.
Though he has absented himself from Parliament for over 21 days, B ennett remains a senator.
Clerk of Parliament Mr Austin Zvoma said: “He is still a senator. Though he has more than exceeded the 21 days (in absenteeism), it is not automatic that he loses his seat. There must be a resignation letter or a motion has to be moved and adopted. None of those things have happened.”
Vice Presidents Joice Mujuru and John Nkomo, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Minister Made were among senior Government officials who witnessed the swearing in of Minister Matibenga and Deputy Minister Moyo.
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“Obviously, I feel greatly honoured to have been appointed to serve my country in another office,” a jovial Minister Matibenga said.
She added: “I realise the mammoth task that lies ahead. I assure you, I will be there whether it will be tough or easy.”
Minister Matibenga singled out the issue of civil servants salaries as one of the major challenges needing urgent attention.
Minister Mukonoweshuro succum-bed to a heart ailment in August. Minister Matibenga was a trade unionist prior to her appointment and held the position of third vice president in ZCTU.
Said Deputy Minister Moyo: “It is always a pleasure to be appointed to a position of responsibility. I feel greatly honoured.”
He would not state what his priorities will be.
“I have just been appointed. We have not sat down as a ministry. I am going to join a team and it is always good to start from that premise. Right now it is the rainy season and the main focus would be around agriculture inputs. That is the kind of priority the ministry has,” Deputy Minister Moyo said.
Not much is known about Mr Moyo’s agriculture background.
He chaired a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media, Information Communication-Technology and Publicity.
Online Reporter