PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe swore-in two MDC-T ministers on Monday.
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai was forced into a mini-reshuffle of his government team following the death of Public Service Minister Elphas Mukonoweshuro in August, and Mugabe’s trenchant refusal to swear-in Roy Bennett as Deputy Agriculture Minister.
Trade unionist Lucia Matibenga stepped into the vacant Public Service portfolio and Seiso Moyo, MP for Nketa, was named Deputy Minister for Agriculture Mechanisation and Irrigation Development.
Moyo, a first term MP, said he “felt honoured” by Tsvangirai’s appointment.
His swearing-in ends Bennett’s long-running saga after Mugabe refused to accept him into Cabinet, originally citing treason charges he was facing.
Despite telling CNN last year that Bennett, who now lives in exile, would be sworn in should he be cleared of the charges, Mugabe went back on his word after the former Chimanimani MP was acquitted in May this year.
Matibenga, surprisingly overlooked in Tsvangirai’s Cabinet team which took the oath of office back in February 2009, said: “I realise the mammoth task that lies ahead. I assure you, I will be there whether it will be tough or easy."
Tsvangirai and Vice Presidents Joice Mujuru and John Nkomo attended the swearing-in ceremony at State House.
Tsvangirai's MDC-T party, Mugabe's Zanu PF and a second MDC faction led by Welshman Ncube share power in a shaky coalition which could be dismantled as early as next year when new elections are set to be held.