KEY POINTS

• Tafadzwa Muguti has been replaced after only two months as permanent secretary.

• President Mnangagwa appointed Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa as his successor.

• The government has not disclosed the reason for Muguti’s departure.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa as the new permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, replacing Tafadzwa Muguti barely two months after his appointment.

The leadership change was confirmed on Wednesday, November 11, by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya in an official statement.

Rushwaya said the appointment was made in accordance with Section 205, subsection (1) of Zimbabwe’s Constitution, which provides for the appointment of permanent secretaries.

The announcement marks an abrupt change in the ministry’s senior administrative leadership, with Muguti’s departure coming shortly after he assumed the position.

Pazvakavambwa appointed as replacement

In the statement, Rushwaya confirmed that President Mnangagwa had appointed Pazvakavambwa to head the ministry’s administrative operations.

The appointment takes effect immediately, according to a separate report on the announcement.

Pazvakavambwa takes over a ministry responsible for overseeing local government administration, public works and other critical aspects of urban and rural development.

His appointment comes at a time when local authorities across Zimbabwe face pressure to improve service delivery, infrastructure development and the management of public facilities.

Muguti’s departure raises questions

Muguti’s removal comes just two months after he was appointed permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.

However, the official announcement confirming Pazvakavambwa’s appointment did not provide reasons for the leadership change or explain the circumstances surrounding Muguti’s departure.

The sudden replacement has therefore raised questions about the decision, particularly given the short period Muguti spent in the position.

No further details about his next assignment or future role in government were provided in the announcement.

New leadership takes over ministry

Pazvakavambwa now assumes responsibility for the ministry’s administrative leadership, including the coordination and implementation of government policies relating to local authorities and public works.

The ministry plays an important role in the delivery of municipal services, housing, infrastructure and local development programmes.

The immediate appointment is expected to ensure continuity in the ministry’s operations following the change in leadership.