-Defense Minister’s nephew lands same junior portfolio
FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO-A striking coincidence has emerged from this year’s Junior Parliament after Tavonga Muchinguri, the junior MP for Bikita East and learner at Silveira High School was elected Minister of Defence, the same portfolio held by his aunt, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.
The election, held on Wednesday at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, saw junior legislators from across the country’s 10 provinces choose their cabinet ahead of the official opening of the 34th Session of the Junior Parliament.
While the appointment has drawn attention because of the family connection, there is no evidence that the election process was influenced by the relationship.
Junior cabinet members are elected by fellow parliamentarians.
Tavonga was among six representatives from Masvingo Province who secured senior leadership positions.
Loretta Mazana of Mwenezi East (Sacred Heart High School) was elected Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, while Kudaishe Charumangwe of Gutu Central (Mpandawana High School) became Minister of Lands and Rural Development. Nicole Foni of Masvingo North (Mutendi High School) was elected Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
Kennedy Muhammad of Masvingo Urban (Victoria High School) was elected Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution,
while Prince M. Tarirana of Masvingo Urban (Junior High School) became Speaker of the Junior Parliament. Takudzwa Luvunga of Chiredzi Central (Hippo Valley High School) was elected Clerk of the Senate.
Out of the 42 Junior Parliamentarians representing Masvingo Province, six secured top leadership positions, highlighting the province’s strong representation in the new junior administration.
The Junior Parliament serves as a platform for young Zimbabweans to participate in governance and policy discussions while promoting the rights of children as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
Whether Tavonga Muchinguri’s election to the Defence portfolio is simply an extraordinary coincidence or reflects the inspiration of growing up in a family involved in public service is likely to remain a talking point.
