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Statement by the MDC-T President Morgan Tsvangirai on the appointment of a Shadow Cabinet
Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T)
September 18, 2013

The MDC today announces the structure of its shadow cabinet. The purpose of this Executive Structure is to ensure a coordinated approach in the advancement of the people’s agenda by keeping the government of Mr Mugabe on its toes and ensuring that it meets its commitments to the people of Zimbabwe.

The shadow cabinet will periodically review the performance of Mr Mugabe’s Government and through various forums in parliament and outside parliament communicate our position on any issue including our alternative agenda for the real transformation of our country. Our shadow cabinet will also work with our MPs and local authorities throughout the country to ensure the delivery of services and development assistance to various communities.

Our shadow Cabinet is not an exact mirror of Mr Mugabe’s bloated structure but it incorporates all government functions represented by his Cabinet.I however do not have any appetite to mirror Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs which is a dictatorial structure designed to subvert the will and desire of the people of Zimbabwe for an elected devolved government. As a party, we remain committed to real devolution and a lean Central Executive structure of 21that is accountable to the people and responsive to their needs. The first task of this shadow Cabinet will be to review the agenda that Mr Mugabe outlined yesterday and respond accordingly.

The Shadow Cabinet will have five key priority areas:

1. Providing a critical platform of the policies and programmes of Mr Mugabe’s Executive within and outside Parliament.

2. Articulating an alternative development path for the country through promoting legislation in Parliament as instruments of public policy.

3. Providing policy guidance and support to the Provincial and Local government structures under the control of the party.

4. Engaging and working with all sectors of the economy and all communities in the country in the development and implementation of an alternative transformation agenda for the country.

5. Engaging with SADC, the AU and the broad international community to advance the country’s deferred democratic transition and transformation agenda.

In order to advance the above priorities the following shadow cabinet structure and its key portfolios and persons has been established.

MDC Shadow Ministers

1. International Relations and Cooperation - Hon Gordon Moyo
2. Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources - Hon Thamsanqa Mahlangu
3. Finance and Economic Development - Hon Tendai Biti
4. Defence - Hon Gift Chimanikire
5. Health and Child Welfare - Hon Ruth Labode
6. Basic Education - Hon Concilia Chinanzvavana
7. Higher Education Science and Technology - Dr Matarutse
8. Local Government - Hon Sesel Zvidzai
9. Transport - Hon Elias Mudzuri
10. Communications - Hon Nelson Chamisa
11. Mines and Minerals Development - Hon Abednico Bhebhe
12. Energy and Power Development - Sen. Morgan Komichi
13. Agriculture, Land and Water Development - Hon Sipepa Nkomo
14. Justice Legal and Parliamentary Affairs - Hon Jesse Majome
15. Home Affairs - Sen. Lilian Timveos
16. Industry and Commerce - Hon Tapiwa Mashakada
17. Labour, Employment and Social Security - Hon Paurina Mpariwa
18. Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development - Hon Lucia Matibenga
19. Youth, Sport, Arts & Culture - Hon Solomon Madzore
20. Public Works and National Housing - Hon Joel Gabbuza
21. Planning Commission - Mr Jameson Timba, Mrs Theresa Makone, Mr. Douglas Mwonzora, Mr. Tongai Matutu, Mr. Elton Mangoma

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