WATCH LIVE as Gambakwe looks at reports that retired former Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) commander Philip Valerio Sibanda is reportedly set to be appointed to the Cabinet.
Specific Role: He is tipped to take over a new Minister of Lands portfolio, which would be carved out from the current giant Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
Politburo Role: He is also expected to be appointed to the ruling Zanu PF party’s Politburo.
Recent Retirement: Sibanda retired from the army in November of the previous year (2025), which was seen as clearing the way for a senior civilian appointment.
Military Career: He rose from a ZIPRA guerrilla fighter during the liberation struggle to become the commander of the ZDF, serving under both the late Robert Mugabe and President Emmerson Mnangagwa. He was regarded as a steadying influence within the security establishment.
Proposed Ministry Restructuring: The plan involves splitting the current agriculture ministry. The lands component would go to Sibanda, while the current minister, Anxious Masuka, would retain responsibilities for agricultural production, fisheries, water, and rural development.
Political Management: Sibanda is seen as a figure trusted by President Mnangagwa to manage the highly politically sensitive land portfolio. This includes dealing with disputes involving war veterans, senior party officials, and powerful interest groups.
Addressing Sector Issues: Land remains Zimbabwe’s most emotive policy area, plagued by disputes over multiple farm ownership, elite accumulation, and insecure tenure. The restructuring aims to sharpen focus and accountability.
Tagwirei:
Key Events For Today
Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe arrived in Dubai on 2 February 2026 to participate in the World Government Summit (WGS). This high-level international forum is scheduled from 3 to 5 February 2026 under the theme “Shaping Future Governments”. Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Amon Murwira, is expected to meet with Caribbean leaders, including Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, to seek support for Zimbabwe’s bid for a UN Security Council seat for the 2027–2028 term.
Mnangagwa’s delegation includes:
Professor Amon Murwira: Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, who is also engaging Caribbean leaders to seek support for Zimbabwe’s UN Security Council bid.
Hon. Barbara Rwodzi: Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, who has held sideline meetings with Emirates Airline leadership to promote Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.
Ambassador Isaac Moyo: Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
George Charamba: Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications, who is managing the delegation’s strategic engagement.
Uebert Angel: Presidential Envoy and Ambassador-at-Large, who confirmed his presence as part of the official delegation.
Dr. Kudakwashe Tagwirei: A billionaire business leader and Presidential Advisor, who is part of the business delegation engag
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