In a surprising turn of events, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reinstated Simelisizwe Sibanda as Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development, following his recent dismissal from the position.
Sibanda, a Zanu PF legislator, was removed earlier this month after a controversial incident involving a non-Ndebele speaking Early Childhood Development (ECD) teacher at a primary school in Matabeleland North.
Sibanda’s dismissal came abruptly and without prior explanation. The firing followed his criticism of the teacher, who he accused of inadequately handling an ECD class due to her lack of fluency in the local Ndebele language. Government policy stipulates that elementary education should be conducted by teachers proficient in local languages to better serve the community’s needs.
On Wednesday, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya, announced that Sibanda’s reinstatement was prompted by his “profuse apologies” and commitment to avoid similar issues in the future.
Rushwaya conveyed that President Mnangagwa, having reviewed the situation, decided to pardon Sibanda, thus reinstating him under the provisions of subsection 2 of Section 104 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
“Following representations, profuse apologies, and undertakings to refrain from similar misdemeanors in future, His Excellency the President, Cde Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has decided that Hon. Simelisizwe Sibanda be pardoned,” Rushwaya stated.
Sibanda’s appointment is effective immediately, marking a swift reversal of his earlier dismissal.