Johnson Progress

President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday  dismissed Mines Minister Winston Chitando and replaced him with his Deputy, Dr Polite Kambamura without disclosing the reason for his dismissal.

The announcement was made by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Misheck Rushwaya, citing Section 340(1f) and 108(1a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

According to Rushwaya, “His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has in terms of Section 340, Subsection (1f), as read with Section 108, Subsection (1a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, removed Winston Chitando as Cabinet Minister with immediate effect.”

Chitando was dismissed after he had attended a strategic planning workshop in Masvingo, where key mining sector issues were discussed.

No official reason has been given for his removal, sparking speculation about internal party dynamics and pressure from influential business interests.

Dr Kambamura, a ZANU-PF parliamentarian who previously served as Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development since 2018 has a background in engineering.

Analysts noted that Dr Kambamura’s alignment with ZANU-PF’s youth and technocratic factions will potentially ease the implementation of the National Development Strategy 1 which prioritises value addition in raw minerals.

The mining sector, crucial to Zimbabwe’s economy, contributes over 80% of exports and 12% of GDP.

Kambamura faces immediate challenges, including curbing gold smuggling, advancing lithium and platinum production, and addressing environmental degradation concerns.

Investors await clarity on the ministry’s direction, hoping for stabilized markets and renewed vigor in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.