President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has appointed his son, David Kudakwashe Mnangagwa, as the deputy finance minister in a new cabinet following his re-election.
David will deputise Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, his father’s cousin.
The president’s nephew, Tongai Mafidhi Mnangagwa, was also named tourism and hospitality deputy minister.
The appointment, announced on Monday, has been greeted with backlash, with citizens raising concerns about nepotism within the government.
The decision is part of the newly constituted cabinet comprising 26 ministries.
A Citizens Coalition for Change lawmaker, Fadzayi Mahere, criticised President Mnangagwa’s cabinet, describing it as “indefensible.”
She raised concerns about legitimacy, corruption, violence, nepotism, incompetence, and ethical issues within the government.
Mnangagwa had earlier appointed a husband and wife team, Christopher and Monica Mutsvangwa, as ministers.
He gave Christopher the power to lead the new Ministry of Veterans of Liberation, while Monica Mutsvangwa is the new minister of Women’s Affairs and SMEs.
