HARARE – Energy minister Fortune Chasi on Friday received the sack from President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the widening tiff within the Zimbabwe revolutionary party Zanu PF takes a new low.
Chasi, regarded as one of the outstanding ministers in the current government was replaced with Soda Zhemu, currently a legislator for Muzarabani North.
Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, announced the development in a statement released on Friday afternoon.
“In terms of Section 104(1) of the Zimbabwe Constitution Amendment (No.20) Act of 2013, His Excellency the President, Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Hon. Soda Zhemu, Member of Parliament for Muzarabani North, as Minister of Energy and Power Development in place of current Minister, Hon. Advocate Fortune Chasi,” announced Dr Sibanda.
The reason for his dismissal are that he no longer served the interest of the appointing authority according to the communique by the cabinet Chief Secretary.
“The latter (Chasi) has been relieved of his Ministerial post in terms of Section 108 (1a) of the Zimbabwe Constitution Amendment (No.20) Act of 2013, as his conduct of Government business had become incompatible with the President’s expectations,” reads the press statement.
The departure of Advocate Chasi and arrival of Cde Zhemu are with immediate effect.
The Chief Secretary also announced the appointment of Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka as Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement. He takes over from the late national hero Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri who died last month.
