Tagwirei, Zanu PF provincial bosses sworn into Senate after Mnangagwa appointments
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed 10 new senators following controversial constitutional amendments that expanded the Upper House. Critics argue the appointments reward political loyalty to the ruling Zanu PF party rather than professional merit.
Why it matters
The appointments highlight ongoing concerns regarding political patronage and the consolidation of power within Zimbabwe's government.
Businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei and nine other senators have been sworn into the Senate following their appointment by President Emmerson Mnangagwa under controversial constitutional changes that have expanded the Upper House from 80 to 90 members.
The 10 senators are Jabulani Sibanda, Mary Mliswa, Nokuthula Matsikenyere, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Godwills Masimirembwa, Lucy Chitaga, Major-General (Rtd) Gibson Mashingaidze, Makhosini Hlongwane, Brilliant Dube and Irene Mutumbwa.
Their swearing-in follows the enactment of Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 (CAA3), which was signed into law in July.
The new law empowers the President to appoint 10 senators based on their “professional skills and other competencies” after consultation with the National Assembly.
However, Mnangagwa’s decision has attracted scrutiny, particularly over whether the nominees meet the constitutional requirement that they be selected for their professional skills and competencies.
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