ED appoints new AG, advisors
MOSES MATENGA
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has made a cocktail of new appointments in key portfolios bringing in Justice Permanent Secretary Virginia Mabhiza to the powerful Attorney General’s post.
Mabhiza takes over from Prince Machaya who was sworn-in in 2015.
A long-serving civil servant, Mabhiza, known as the “iron lady of Justice” was Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs permanent secretary since 2013 where she has worked with several Ministers including Mnangagwa and Ziyambi Ziyambi.
A qualified legal practitioner with vast experience in criminal and civil litigation, Mabhiza played an instrumental role as secretary for constitutional affairs where she superintended over the COPAC-led constitutional making process.
Previous Attorney Generals to serve in Zimbabwe include Ahmed Ebrahim, Godfrey Chidyausiku, Patrick Chinamasa, Andrew Chigovera among others.
The Attorney General is legal advisor to each government department and other public bodies.
The office also serves to represent the public in all legal proceedings for the enforcement of law and the assertion or protection of public rights.
Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya made the announcement of Mabhiza’s appointment and those of other key officials last night.
Mnangagwa also appointed former Minister Jorum Gumbo as Special Advisor responsible for monitoring and implementation of government programmes.
Former Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister Mike Madiro has also been appointed chairperson of the National Railways of Zimbabwe.
Dr Agnes Mahomva was also appointed public health advisor to the President and Cabinet.
