BY STAFF REPORTER
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has pardoned former Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development deputy minister Simelisizwe Sibanda and reinstated him nearly a month after his dismissal.
Sibanda was previously let go after he ordered transfer of an Early Childhood Development teacher in Bubi district which sparked controversy over language issues parental complaints.
The teacher was allegedly non-conversant with the local Ndebele language.
The reinstatement of Sibanda is with immediate effect, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya said in a statement.
“Following representations, profuse apologies and undertakings to refrain from similar misdemeanours in future, His Excellency the President, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has decided that Hon Simelisizwe Sibanda be pardoned,” Rushwaya said.
“Accordingly, His Excellency the President, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has in terms of subsection 2 of section 104 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, appointed Hon Simelisizwe Sibanda MP as the Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development.”