On Wednesday, 31 July, President Emmerson Mnangagwa reappointed Simelisizwe Sibanda as the Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development. The appointment, effective immediately, comes after Sibanda was dismissed from the position on 1 July 2024.
Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya, confirmed the reappointment in a statement. Rushwaya noted that Sibanda’s pardon followed his public apology and commitment to avoid similar actions in the future. However, the statement did not specify the exact nature of the misconduct for which Sibanda had apologized. The statement read:
“Following representations, profuse apologies, and undertakings to refrain from similar misdemeanors in the future, His Excellency the President, Cde. Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has decided that Hon. Simelisizwe Sibanda be pardoned. Accordingly, His Excellency the President, Cde. Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has in terms of subsection 2 of Section 104 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, appointed Hon. Simelisizwe Sibanda M.P. as the Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development. The appointment is with immediate effect.”
Sibanda was dismissed from his ministerial role in early July after a controversial incident involving an early childhood development (ECD) teacher, Winnet Mharadze, at Clonmore Primary School in Bubi Constituency. During a school visit, Sibanda criticized Mharadze’s proficiency in the local Ndebele language, which led to allegations of tribalism and insensitivity.
In a public meeting held on June 24, 2024, Sibanda questioned Mharadze about her knowledge of the Ndebele language and tested her understanding of local vocabulary. This incident drew significant backlash, including from education officials who claimed that Sibanda had previously targeted Shona-speaking teachers.
Sibanda later issued a public apology on July 2, 2024, taking responsibility for his actions and acknowledging that his approach was inappropriate. He expressed regret for the perceptions of tribalism and stated that he intended to ensure quality education for children, not to promote division.
The reappointment of Sibanda has sparked discussions on social media and among political analysts. Critics argue that the decision to reinstate him might be seen as inconsistent with the values of unity and inclusivity that President Mnangagwa’s administration promotes. Sibanda’s apology and subsequent reappointment come amid a backdrop of heightened political tension in Zimbabwe, with recent crackdowns on dissent and increasing scrutiny of government officials’ conduct.
President Mnangagwa’s decision to reappoint Simelisizwe Sibanda reflects the complex dynamics of Zimbabwean politics, where public apologies and political reconciliations often play a crucial role. As Sibanda returns to his ministerial position, it remains to be seen how he will address the concerns raised by his earlier actions and how this development will impact his political career and public perception.
In other news – Pro-democracy activists detained at Harare Airport and removed from plane
In a troubling development, reports have emerged that Zimbabwean pro-democracy campaigner Namatai Kwekweza, human rights activist Robson Chere, and councillor Samuel Gwenzi were allegedly arrested at Robert Mugabe International Airport. According to sources, the trio was forcibly removed from a plane, and their current whereabouts remain unclear.
When contacted by Nehanda Radio, Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi stated that he had not yet received confirmation of the reported arrests. “I’m yet to receive that report. Let me look into it,” Nyathi commented. Read More
