In an unexpected development, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has fired Environment Minister Sithembiso Nyoni.
President Mnangagwa Fires Environment Minister Sithembiso Nyoni
The development was announced in a statement by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya, on Thursday, 3 April. In the statement, Rushwaya confirmed that Nyoni’s dismissal citing the relevant constitutional provisions. Rushwaya said:
“His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde Dr E D Mnangagwa, has in terms of section 340, subsection (1), paragraph (f), as read with section 108, subsection (1) paragraph (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, removed Sithembiso Gile Gladys Nyoni from the position of Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife with immediate effect.”
No official reason was provided why Mnangagwa fired Sithembiso Nyoni from her position as Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife.
Also read:President Mnangagwa Fires VP Chiwenga’s Relative and Mashonaland East Minister Apollonia Munzverengwi
Zimbabweans React After Sithembiso Nyoni is Fired
The news that Mnangagwa had dismissed Nyoni was met with shock by Zimbabweans on social media. Others made predictions on who would take over her portfolio, while others wanted more details regarding her dismissal.
Here are some of the reactions:
@takumakayi:
Mavetera will be appointed to that ministry, while Muswere will assume Mavetera’s current portfolio.
@adv_fulcrum:
Blood is thicker than water. Imi muri safe here blaz ? Ndirikurohwa nehana.
@MazvimbakupaK:
The best move from ED, for whatever reason. Sithembiso is just useless, just like Cde Kembo Black Mask
@NyambisiK:
The Second Republic should copy from the previous administration, no explanation, no what, the public should know what actually happened.
@MawereMhizha:
Is this going to improve the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans?
Sithembiso Nyoni’s Career
Nyoni, a veteran politician, had served in various ministerial roles since the late 1990s, including as Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, before taking up her latest appointment in September 2023.
