HARARE: Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe reshuffled his cabinet late Thursday and appointed replacements for eight ministers sacked in a purge targetting his former deputy's allies.
Newly-appointed Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa -- seen as a likely successor to the ageing leader -- retained his post as justice minister while co-vice president Phelekezela Mphoko was appointed to the newly-created national healing, peace and reconciliation portfolio.
The reshuffle followed the dismissal this week of former vice-president and presidential hopeful Joice Mujuru and her allies accused of plotting to topple Mugabe, a charge they all deny.
Former deputy finance minister Samuel Undenge replaced sacked energy minister Dzikamai Mavhaire while Tsitsi Muzenda takes over from Mavhaire's deputy Munacho Mutezo, also dismissed this week.
Chief secretary to the president and cabinet Misheck Sibanda said in a statement the appointments came "following the relieving of former vice-president honourable Joyce Mujuru, seven ministers and one deputy minister of their posts."
ZANU-PF party spokesman and former minister of state in the president's office Simon Khaya Moyo is the new minister of economic planning.
Former deputy foreign affairs minister Chris Mutsvangwa is new minister in the newly-created portfolio of welfare services for war veterans, war collaborators and ex-detainees.
Former information deputy minister Supa Mandiwanzira is the new Information Communication Technology Minister replacing the sacked Webster Shamu.
Prisca Mupfumira replaces the fired Nicholas Goche as labour and social services minister.
Former minister of state Chris Mushowe becomes the new minister of youth and indigenisation, taking over from the sacked Francis Nhema.
The ministers were expected to be sworn into office on Friday along with the vice-presidents.
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