by Bruce Zvandasara

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced a lean technocrat cabinet of 20 ministers today at State House.

The much awaited Cabinet has thwarted public anxiety which was calling for a robust cabinet with technocrats.  President Mnangagwa has not disappointed and has infact disappointed detractors by announcing a very lean and practical cabinet.

The President injected new names into the Cabinet which came as a surprise to many. It also addressed gender issues with Zanu PF National Chair, Oppah Muchinguri  being the new Minister of Defence and War Veterans.

Professor Mthuli Ncube ex- African Development Bank boss has been named as the incoming Minister of Finance and Economic development. This appointment was commended by many luminaries on social media immediately after announcement.

Award winning swimmer, Kirsty Coventry, is another new face which surprised many when she was appointed Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation. Other faces which surprised many included Energy Mutodi as Deputy Minister of Information, Sekai Nzenza as Minister of Labour, Raj Modi as Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce and Mangaliso Ndlovhu as the Minister of Industry and Commerce.

MDC Alliance long serving member, David Coltart could not hide his satisfaction.  He commended President Mnangagwa on the appointment of the Cabinet.

 “Good that it’s only 20 (Ministers) no Mpofu or Chinamas, Good Finance and Sports Ministers in Ncube and Coventry. So, overally, an improvement on the last one. I am always happy to give credit where it is due,” tweeted Coltart on his twitter handle.

President Mnangagwa's cabinet is 10 less the one which was operating before. Big names which are missing in the market are Patrick Chinamasa, Obert Mpofu, Simon Khaya Moyo, Christopher Mushowe, David Parirenyatwa, Josiah Hungwe and Supa Mandiwanzira.