Ministers Bunk Cabinet As Mbudzi Is Renamed Mnangagwa-Trabablas
Chaos Unfolds as President Mnangagwa Criticizes Cabinet Absenteeism Amid Renaming Controversy
By Dorrothy Moyo | Harare, Zimbabwe – In a tense conclusion to the year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has slammed Cabinet Ministers for failing to attend critical government meetings while presiding over the controversial renaming of the Mbudzi Interchange to “Trabablas Interchange,” a nickname often associated with the President himself.
The renaming, announced during a Cabinet press briefing, was intended to honor Mnangagwa’s “visionary leadership.” However, the event has been overshadowed by growing irony and chaos after revelations that many Cabinet members have been skipping meetings—a situation Mnangagwa deems unacceptable.
President’s Rebuke
During the final Cabinet meeting of 2024, Mnangagwa issued a stern warning, calling out “errant” ministers and senior government officials for their consistent absenteeism. He described their absence as “tantamount to dereliction of duty,” warning of “dire consequences” in 2025 if attendance does not improve.
“Cabinet processes are anchored on the timely submission of vital documents and regular attendance by Ministers and officials. The worrisome tendency to absent themselves is untenable,” Mnangagwa declared.
The Chief Secretary, Dr. Martin Rushwaya, has been tasked with closely monitoring attendance, signaling a stricter regime moving forward. Mnangagwa emphasized that Cabinet meetings must take precedence over all other responsibilities.
Trabablas Interchange Controversy
The renaming of Mbudzi Interchange to “Trabablas Interchange,” intended as a tribute to the President, has stirred significant public debate. Critics, including former Minister Walter Mzembi, ridiculed the move, calling it a sycophantic gesture and proposing satirical alternatives such as “Musoro Wambuya Vako Interchange,” a colloquial insult.
Mzembi’s viral post highlights the growing public frustration with government priorities amid Zimbabwe’s economic challenges and the misalignment of leadership focus.
Mixed Public Reaction
Public opinion on the renaming remains polarized:
• Supporters view the renaming as a symbolic gesture recognizing Mnangagwa’s infrastructure efforts.
• Critics argue that it reflects misplaced priorities and underscores a disconnect between leadership and public sentiment.
The controversy, combined with the President’s rebuke of his own Cabinet, has sparked a chaotic end to the political year, raising questions about the government’s ability to balance optics with governance.
Performance Contracts and Accountability
Mnangagwa’s administration introduced performance contracts for Cabinet Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, and parastatal heads to improve efficiency and service delivery. Despite this, absenteeism has remained a recurring issue. Moving forward, Deputy Ministers will also sign performance contracts, ensuring greater accountability.
The President’s stern address signals a renewed push for discipline and leadership responsibility in 2025 as Zimbabwe continues to pursue Vision 2030—its ambitious plan for economic growth and transformation.
What’s Next?
As the political storm surrounding Trabablas Interchange and Cabinet absenteeism continues, all eyes are on the government’s ability to restore confidence and deliver meaningful progress in the coming year.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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