First Shadow Cabinet of Morgan Tsvangirai
The First Shadow Cabinet of Morgan Tsvangirai was established in 2000 following the Movement for Democratic Change’s (MDC) successful bid to become the largest opposition party in Zimbabwe’s Parliament. Led by Morgan Tsvangirai, the shadow cabinet mirrored the structure of the official government, covering key portfolios such as Defence (Giles Mutsekwa), Home Affairs (Welshman Ncube), Foreign Affairs (Tendai Biti), Justice (David Coltart), and Finance (Tapiwa Mashakada). It later underwent reshuffles in 2008 and 2009, reflecting evolving political strategies and leadership roles. The shadow cabinet served as a critical check on the ruling ZANU‑PF government and played a prominent role in national governance debates during the opposition’s tenure.
List and changes
2000 establishment
The original shadow cabinet was established after MDC had gained the largest number of non-majority seats in parliament in that year's election.[1]
- Giles Mutsekwa, Defence
- Welshman Ncube, Home Affairs
- Tendai Biti, Foreign Affairs
- David Coltart, Justice
- Tapiwa Mashakada, Finance and Economic Planning
- Fidelis Mhashu, Education
- Evylin Masaiti, Gender, Youth and Culture
- Hilda Suka Mafudze, Environment and Tourism
- Renson Gasela, Lands and Agriculture
2008 reshuffle
- David Coltart, Legal and Constitutional Affairs
- Blessing Chebundo, Health and Child Welfare
- Giles Mutsekwa, Security and Defence
- Fidelis Mhashu, Education
- Priscilla Misihairabwi, Foreign Affairs
- Gabriel Chibva, Local Government
- Renson Gasela, Lands, Agriculture and Natural Affairs
- Evelyn Masaiti, Gender, Youth and Culture
- Murisi Zvizvayi, Energy, Transport and Communications
- Paurina Mpariwa, Public Service, Labour and Social Security
- Joel Gabuza, Mines
- Tapiwa Mashakada, Budget, Finance and Economic Planning
- Tendai Biti, Home Affairs
- Paul Themba Nyathi, Information (non-MP)
- Edwin Mushoriwa, Environment and Tourism
- Milford Gwetu, Industry and Commerce
2009 reshuffle
A reshuffle occurred on November 12, 2009.[2]
- David Coltart, Legal and Constitutional Affairs
- Blessing Chebundo, Health and Child Welfare
- Giles Mutsekwa, Security and Defence
- Fidelis Mhashu, Education
- Trudy Stevenson, Local Government
- Moses Mzila Ndlovu, Foreign Affairs
- Murisi Zvizvayi, Energy, Transport and Communications
- Paurina Mpariwa, Public Service, Labour and Social Security
- Joel Gabuza, Mines
- Editor Matamisa, Gender, Youth and Culture
- Edward Mukosi, Lands, Agriculture and Natural Affairs
- Tapiwa Mashakada, Budget, Finance and Economic Planning
- Tendai Biti, Home Affairs
- Paul Themba Nyathi, Information (non-MP)
- Edwin Mushoriwa, Environment and Tourism
- Milford Gwetu, Industry and Commerce
References
- ^ "ZIMBABWE: Opposition names shadow cabinet". IRIN. 6 July 2000.
- ^ Staff Reporter (12 November 2009). "Misihairabwi out in shadow cabinet reshuffle". New Zimbabwe. Archived from the original on 25 March 2009. Retrieved 23 September 2013.