HARARE – Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Tuesday, swore in six ministers at State House in Harare, following his cabinet reshuffle.

Mugabe swore in Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Paul Chimedza, Thokozile Mathuthu (Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs), Webster Shamu (Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs), Happyton Bonyongwe (Justice), Chiratidzo Mabuwa (Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Employment) and Edgar Mbwembwe (Tourism).

Mugabe is 'worried' about rise of social media - creates new role of Minister of Cyber Security and Threat Detection https://t.co/T9aG9WO8dp pic.twitter.com/MnBxKwXkGq

— BBC Africa (@BBCAfrica) October 10, 2017

Although Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa remained composed, Mugabe and Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko looked extremely jovial, cracking jokes with newly appointed ministers.

Ministers allegedly perceived to be sympathetic to Mnangagwa include Patrick Chinamasa, who was shuttled from the finance and economic development ministry to a new portfolio, cyber security, threat detection and mitigation, Prisca Mupfumira, who was dropped from the public service, labour and social welfare ministry, which was taken over by Mugabe’s nephew, Patrick Zhuwao, who was coming from the youth, indigenisation and economic empowerment.

Mugabe demotes his deputy in power struggle - Emmerson Mnangagwa is nicknamed "crocodile" and leads a rival faction https://t.co/h00wCQr6BW pic.twitter.com/PpdN50buwN

— BBC Africa (@BBCAfrica) October 10, 2017

Tshinga Dube was also dropped from the war veterans ministry over his alleged siding with the Christopher Mutsvangwa-led Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association, which has openly challenged Mugabe, his wife Grace and his administration.

#Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe swears in new cabinet members, one would have hoped for new and young blood with new ideas!! pic.twitter.com/VgVzAeXtTy

— Zimphoto! (@iZimPhoto1) October 10, 2017

The Mutsvangwa war vets faction has also openly supported Mnangagwa, saying he would rather succeed Mugabe than any candidate imposed by the G40 faction, reportedly led by Grace and pushing for defence minister to take over.

African News Agency