President Mnangagwa just named Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe to head up Zimbabwe's Sports Ministry after Kirsty Coventry landed the top job at the International Olympic Committee. Mnangagwa removed Coventry from her cabinet position following her recent election as IOC president. Dr. Martin Rushwaya, who serves as Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, announced that Sanyatwe would take over right away.
The President first pulled Sanyatwe from military service before giving him the government job. Mnangagwa used his authority as Commander in Chief to retire Sanyatwe from his position leading the Zimbabwe National Army. This move cleared the path for his immediate transfer to civilian leadership of the sports department.
According to official statements, the President acted under several constitutional powers when making these changes. He relied on Section 216 and Section 340 of Zimbabwe's Constitution, plus Section 115 of the Defence Act, to release Sanyatwe from military duty. He then used Section 104 to appoint him as the new minister overseeing sports, recreation, arts, and culture across the country.
Rushwaya released a separate statement explaining why Coventry left her position. The announcement praised her recent achievement, calling her election to lead the International Olympic Committee "well deserved." Her departure from government service happens automatically with her new international role. The cabinet shuffle puts Sanyatwe in charge of all national sports and cultural programs, effective immediately.
The President first pulled Sanyatwe from military service before giving him the government job. Mnangagwa used his authority as Commander in Chief to retire Sanyatwe from his position leading the Zimbabwe National Army. This move cleared the path for his immediate transfer to civilian leadership of the sports department.
According to official statements, the President acted under several constitutional powers when making these changes. He relied on Section 216 and Section 340 of Zimbabwe's Constitution, plus Section 115 of the Defence Act, to release Sanyatwe from military duty. He then used Section 104 to appoint him as the new minister overseeing sports, recreation, arts, and culture across the country.
Rushwaya released a separate statement explaining why Coventry left her position. The announcement praised her recent achievement, calling her election to lead the International Olympic Committee "well deserved." Her departure from government service happens automatically with her new international role. The cabinet shuffle puts Sanyatwe in charge of all national sports and cultural programs, effective immediately.
