Government of National Unity (Zimbabwe)

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Government of National Unity
Coat of arms of Zimbabwe.svg
Cabinet of Zimbabwe
2009–2013
Morgan Tsvangirai 2009.png
Morgan Tsvangirai served as the first Prime Minister of Zimbabwe since the post was abolished in 1987
Date formed11 February 2009 (2009-02-11)
Date dissolved22 August 2013 (2013-08-22)
People and organisations
President Robert Mugabe
First Vice-President Joice Mujuru
Second Vice-President
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai
Deputy Prime Ministers
Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Misheck Sibanda
Member party
  •   ZANU-PF
  •   MDC-T
  •   MDC-M
Status in legislature Coalition
History
Election 29 March 2008
Legislature term 7th Parliament
Incoming formation 2008–2009 Zimbabwean political negotiations
Predecessor Zimbabwe Temporary Cabinet of 2009
Successor Eighth Cabinet of Robert Mugabe

The Government of National Unity was the coalition government of Zimbabwe formed following the signing of the Global Political Agreement, which took effect on 11 February 2009. The discussions followed the 2008 general election, which had seen widespread violence and intimidation, and the MDC-T win a majority of seats in Parliament. President Robert Mugabe remained in office as President, while Morgan Tsvangirai was appointed Prime Minister - a post which had been abolished in 1987. The new ministers were sworn in on 11 February 2009, while deputies were sworn in on 20 February 2009.

Contents

History

The GNU was established under the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 19) Act, 2009, enacted on 13 February 2009. [1] This amendment modified the executive structure to create the office of prime minister and allocate powers between the president, prime minister, and cabinet. It also required that ministers be members of Parliament, either in the House of Assembly or Senate, to ensure accountability to the legislature.

This constitutional requirement led to the removal of Gibson Sibanda, a senior MDC–M figure initially appointed as Minister of State in the Deputy Prime Minister's office. Sibanda failed to secure a parliamentary seat in the 2008 elections and was not given one of the MDC-M appointed seats in Parliament, highlighting the strict application of the rule. [2]

The GNU cabinet initially comprised 31 ministers (later adjusted in practice), with portfolios apportioned among the three parties to reflect their electoral strengths and the GPA terms. ZANU–PF received 15 ministries, including key portfolios such as Defence, Home Affairs (shared with MDC–T), Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Media. MDC–T held 13 ministries, including Finance, ICT, Health, and Energy. MDC–M received 3 ministries, such as Education, Industy and Commerce and Regional Integration. [3] [4]

The apportionment ensured representation but led to tensions over control of powerful ministries. Appointments were negotiated and announced by President Mugabe, with the prime minister chairing the Council of Ministers. [5]

In June 2010, Prime Minister Tsvangirai reshuffled MDC–T ministers, replacing several in his party's portfolios, including those for Energy and Housing. This was the only internal reshuffle during the GNU. [6]

The GNU ended following the 31 July 2013 general elections, in which ZANU–PF secured a two-thirds majority in parliament. The 2013 Constitution abolished the prime minister's office, restoring an executive presidency. Under the Constitution, Cabinet ministers retained their posts even after the dissolution of Parliament, until the newly elected President was sworn in, which ocurred when Mugabe was sworn in on 22 August 2013. The period saw economic stabilisation through dollarisation and growth averaging around 10% annually, though political tensions persisted.[ citation needed ]

Cabinets

11 February 2009 –23 June 2010

First Cabinet of the GNU
PortfolioPortraitPartyMinisterTerm
Cabinet ministers
Robert Mugabe, 12th AU Summit, 090202-N-0506A-417 (cropped).jpg ZANU-PF His Excellency President Robert Mugabe 1987 –2017
First Vice-President of Zimbabwe Joice Mujuru at Horasis Global Arab Business Meeting 2012 crop.jpg ZANU-PF Hon. Joice Mujuru 2004 –2014
Second Vice-President of Zimbabwe Joseph Msika.jpg ZANU-PF Hon. Joseph Msika 1999 –2009†
ZANU-PF Hon. John Nkomo 2009 –2013†
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai 2009.png MDC-T Hon. Morgan Tsvangirai 2009 –2013
Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khuphe.jpg MDC-T Hon. Thokozani Khupe 2009 –2013
Deputy Prime Minister Mutambara 2009 crop.jpg MDC-M Hon. Arthur Mutambara 2009 –2013
ZANU-PF Hon. Joseph Made 2009 –2017
MDC-T Hon. Eric Matinenga 2009 –2013
VP Emmerson Mnangagwa.png ZANU-PF Hon. Emmerson Mnangagwa 2009 –2013
MDC-T Hon. Elton Mangoma 2009 –2010
David Coltart.JPG MDC-M Hon. David Coltart 2009 –2013
MDC-T Hon. Elias Mudzuri 2009 –2010
ZANU-PF Hon. Francis Nhema 2009 –2013
Tendai Biti at Chatham House 2013.jpg MDC-T Hon. Tendai Biti 2009 –2013
Simbarashe Mumbengegwi.jpg ZANU-PF Hon. Simbarashe Mumbengegwi 2005 –2017
MDC-T Hon. Henry Madzorera 2009 –2013
ZANU-PF Hon. Stan Mudenge 2009 –2012†
Vice President of Zimbabwe, Mr. Kembo Mohadi, at the Munhumutapa Building, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 03, 2018 (cropped).JPG ZANU-PF Hon. Kembo Mohadi 2009 –2015
MDC-T Hon. Giles Mutsekwa 2009 –2010
MDC-T Hon. Fidelis Mhashu 2009 –2010
The Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia at a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Commerce and Industry of Zimbabwe, Mr. W. Nucbe, at Harare on September 20, 2011.jpg MDC-M Hon. Welshman Ncube 2009 –2013
Chiza (cropped).jpg MDC-T Hon. Nelson Chamisa 2009 –2013
Patrick Chinamasa.png ZANU-PF Hon. Patrick Chinamasa 2009 –2013
MDC-T Hon. Paurina Gwanyanya 2009 –2013
ZANU-PF Hon. Herbert Murerwa 2009 –2013
Ignatius Chombo 2017.jpg ZANU-PF Hon. Ignatius Chombo 2009 –2015
ZANU-PF Hon. Webster Shamu 2009 –2013
ZANU-PF Hon. Obert Mpofu 2009 –2013
MDC-T Hon. Eliphas Mukonoweshuro 2009 –2013
MDC-T Hon. Theresa Makone 2009 –2010
Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga at Meet at ICARS (sq cropped).jpg MDC-M Hon. Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga 2009 –2013
MDC-T Hon. Heneri Dzinotyiweyi 2009 –2013
Sithembiso Nyoni at UNCTAD eWeek 2023- Shaping the future of the digital economy (cropped).jpg ZANU-PF Hon. Sithembiso Nyoni 2009 –2017
MDC-T Hon. Joel Gabuza Gabbuza 2009 –2010
H.E. Walter Mzembi, Minister of Tourism & Hospitality Industry, Government of Zimbabwe cropped.jpg ZANU-PF Hon. Walter Mzembi 2009 –2017
ZANU-PF Hon. Nicholas Goche 2009 –2013
MDC-T Hon. Samuel Sipepa Nkomo 2009 –2013
Olivia muchena.jpg ZANU-PF Hon. Olivia Muchena 2009 –2013
Saviour Kasukuwere - 2014 (cropped).jpg ZANU-PF Hon. Saviour Kasukuwere 2009 –2013

23 June 2010 –22 August 2013

Second Cabinet of the GNU
PortfolioPortraitPartyMinisterTerm
Cabinet ministers
Robert Mugabe cropped.jpg ZANU-PF His Excellency President Robert Mugabe 1987 –2017
First Vice-President of Zimbabwe Joice Mujuru, 2012.jpg ZANU-PF Hon. Joice Mujuru 2004 –2014
Second Vice-President of Zimbabwe ZANU-PF Hon. John Nkomo 2009 –2013†
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, 2012.jpg MDC-T Hon. Morgan Tsvangirai 2009 –2013
Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe, 2011.jpg MDC-T Hon. Thokozani Khupe 2009 –2013
Deputy Prime Minister Professor Arthur Mutambara.jpg MDC-M Hon. Arthur Mutambara 2009 –2013
ZANU-PF Hon. Joseph Made 2009 –2017
MDC-T Hon. Eric Matinenga 2009 –2013
VP Emmerson Mnangagwa.png ZANU-PF Hon. Emmerson Mnangagwa 2009 –2013
MDC-T Hon. Tapiwa Mashakada 2010 –2013
David Coltart.JPG MDC-M Hon. David Coltart 2009 –2013
MDC-T Hon. Elton Mangoma 2010 –2013
ZANU-PF Hon. Francis Nhema 2009 –2013
Tendai Biti at Chatham House 2013.jpg MDC-T Hon. Tendai Biti 2009 –2013
Simbarashe Mumbengegwi.jpg ZANU-PF Hon. Simbarashe Mumbengegwi 2005 –2017
MDC-T Hon. Henry Madzorera 2009 –2013
ZANU-PF Hon. Stan Mudenge 2009 –2012†
Vice President of Zimbabwe, Mr. Kembo Mohadi, at the Munhumutapa Building, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 03, 2018 (cropped).JPG ZANU-PF Hon. Kembo Mohadi 2009 –2015
MDC-T Hon. Theresa Makone 2010 –2013
MDC-T Hon. Giles Mutsekwa 2010 –2013
The Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia at a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Commerce and Industry of Zimbabwe, Mr. W. Nucbe, at Harare on September 20, 2011.jpg MDC-M Hon. Welshman Ncube 2009 –2013
Chiza (cropped).jpg MDC-T Hon. Nelson Chamisa 2009 –2013
Patrick Chinamasa.png ZANU-PF Hon. Patrick Chinamasa 2009 –2013
MDC-T Hon. Paurina Gwanyanya 2009 –2013
ZANU-PF Hon. Herbert Murerwa 2009 –2013
Ignatius Chombo 2017.jpg ZANU-PF Hon. Ignatius Chombo 2009 –2015
ZANU-PF Hon. Webster Shamu 2009 –2013
ZANU-PF Hon. Obert Mpofu 2009 –2013
MDC-T Hon. Eliphas Mukonoweshuro 2009 –2013
MDC-T Hon. Joel Gabuza Gabbuza 2010 –2013
Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga at Meet at ICARS (sq cropped).jpg MDC-M Hon. Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga 2009 –2013
MDC-T Hon. Heneri Dzinotyiweyi 2009 –2013
Sithembiso Nyoni at UNCTAD eWeek 2023- Shaping the future of the digital economy (cropped).jpg ZANU-PF Hon. Sithembiso Nyoni 2009 –2017
MDC-T Hon. Gorden Moyo 2010 –2013
H.E. Walter Mzembi, Minister of Tourism & Hospitality Industry, Government of Zimbabwe cropped.jpg ZANU-PF Hon. Walter Mzembi 2009 –2017
ZANU-PF Hon. Nicholas Goche 2009 –2013
MDC-T Hon. Samuel Sipepa Nkomo 2009 –2013
Olivia muchena.jpg ZANU-PF Hon. Olivia Muchena 2009 –2013
Saviour Kasukuwere - 2014 (cropped).jpg ZANU-PF Hon. Saviour Kasukuwere 2009 –2013

List of ministers

ZANU-PF MDC-T MDC-M
Cabinet ministers are listed in bold while deputies are not

The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC)

The Office of the President and Cabinet
PostMinisterTerm
His Excellency President Robert Mugabe 31 December 1987 –21 November 2017
First Vice-President of Zimbabwe Hon. Joice Mujuru 6 December 2004 –8 December 2014
Second Vice-President of Zimbabwe Hon. Joseph Msika 23 December 1999 –4 August 2009†
Hon. John Nkomo 13 December 2009 –17 January 2013†
Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda 5 May 2003 –26 September 2023
Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Hon. Didymus Mutasa 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Minister of State for National Security in the President’s Office Hon. Sydney Sekeramayi 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Minister of State in Vice President Mujuru’s Office Hon. Sylvester Robert Nguni 20 February 2009 –22 December 2014
Minister of State in Vice President Msika’s Office Hon. Flora Buka 20 February 2009 –4 August 2009
Minister of State in Vice President Nkomo’s Office 13 December 2009 –17 January 2013
Minister of State in the President's Office Hon. John Nkomo 20 February 2009 –13 December 2009

The Office of the Prime Minister

The Office of the Prime Minister
Hon. Morgan Tsvangirai 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Hon. Thokozani Khupe 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Hon. Arthur Mutambara 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Hon. Gorden Moyo 11 February 2009 –23 June 2010
Hon. Jameson Timba 23 June 2010 –22 August 2013
Hon. Sekai Masikana Holland 20 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Hon. Gibson Sibanda 20 February 2009 –19 May 2009 [a]

Departments of state

Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation
Hon. Joseph Made 11 February 2009 –21 November 2017
Hon. Roy Bennett Never sworn in [b]
Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs
Hon. Eric Matinenga 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Defence
Hon. Emmerson Mnangagwa 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Economic Planning and Investment Promotion
Hon. Elton Mangoma 11 February 2009 –23 June 2010
Hon. Tapiwa Mashakada 23 June 2010 –22 August 2013
Hon. Samuel Undenge 20 February 2009 –12 December 2014
Education, Sport, Art and Culture
Hon. David Coltart 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Hon. Lazarus Dokora 20 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Energy and Power Development
Hon. Elias Mudzuri 11 February 2009 –23 June 2010
Hon. Elton Mangoma 23 June 2010 –22 August 2013
Hon. Hubert Nyanhongo 20 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Environment and Natural Resources Management
Hon. Francis Nhema 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Finance
Hon. Tendai Biti 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Foreign Affairs
Hon. Simbarashe Mumbengegwi 15 April 2005 –9 October 2017
Hon. Moses Mzila Ndlovu 20 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Health and Child Welfare
Hon. Henry Madzorera 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Hon. Douglas Tendai Mombeshora 20 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Higher and Tertiary Education
Hon. Stan Mudenge 11 February 2009 –4 October 2012†
Hon. Lutho Addington Tapela 20 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Home Affairs
Hon. Kembo Mohadi 11 February 2009 –6 July 2015
Hon. Giles Mutsekwa 11 February 2009 –23 June 2010
Hon. Theresa Makone 23 June 2010 –22 August 2013
Housing and Social Amenities
Hon. Fidelis Mhashu 11 February 2009 –23 June 2010
Hon. Giles Mutsekwa 23 June 2010 –22 August 2013
Industry and Commerce
Hon. Welshman Ncube 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Hon. Michael Chakanaka Bimha 20 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Information Communication Technology
Hon. Nelson Chamisa 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Justice and Legal Affairs
Hon. Patrick Chinamasa 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Hon. Jessie Fungai Majome 20 February 2009 –23 June 2010
Hon. Obert Gutu 23 June 2010 –22 August 2013
Labour and Social Welfare
Hon. Paurina Gwanyanya 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Hon. Tracy Mutinhiri 20 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Lands and Rural Resettlement
Hon. Herbert Murerwa 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Local Government, Urban and Rural Development
Hon. Ignatius Chombo 11 February 2009 –6 July 2015
Hon. Sesel Zvidzai 20 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Media, Information and Publicity
Hon. Webster Shamu 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Hon. Jameson Zvidzai Timba 20 February 2009 –23 June 2010
Hon. Murisi Zwizwai 23 June 2010 –22 August 2013
Mines and Mining Development
Hon. Obert Mpofu 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Hon. Murisi Zwizwai 20 February 2009 –23 June 2010
Hon. Gift Chimanikire 23 June 2010 –22 August 2013
Public Service
Hon. Eliphas Mukonoweshuro 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Hon. Andrew Langa 20 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Public Works
Hon. Theresa Makone 11 February 2009 –23 June 2010
Hon. Joel Gabuza Gabbuza 23 June 2010 –22 August 2013
Hon. Aguy Georgias 20 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Regional Integration and International Co-operation
Hon. Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Hon. Reuben Marumahoko 20 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Science and Technology
Hon. Heneri Dzinotyiweyi 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Small and Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development
Hon. Sithembiso Nyoni 11 February 2009 –21 November 2017
State Enterprises and Parastatals
Hon. Joel Gabuza Gabbuza 11 February 2009 –23 June 2010
Hon. Gorden Moyo 23 June 2010 –22 August 2013
Hon. Walter Kufakunesu Chidhakwa 20 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Tourism and Hospitality Industry
Hon. Walter Mzembi 11 February 2009 –9 October 2017
Transport and Infrastructural Development
Hon. Nicholas Goche 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Hon. Tichaona Mudzingwa 20 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Water Resources and Development
Hon. Samuel Sipepa Nkomo 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Women's Affairs, Gender and Community Development
Hon. Olivia Muchena 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Hon. Evelyn Pfugamai Masaiti 20 February 2009 –23 June 2010
Hon. Jessie Fungai Majome 23 June 2010 –22 August 2013
Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment
Hon. Saviour Kasukuwere 11 February 2009 –22 August 2013
Hon. Thamsanqa Mahlangu 20 February 2009 –23 June 2010
Hon. Tongai Matutu 23 June 2010 –22 August 2013

Provincial Governors

Provincial Governors [7]
Hon. Cain Mathema 10 February 2004 –28 June 2013
Hon. David Ishemunyoro Karimanzira 15 April 2005 –24 March 2011†
Hon. Christopher Mushohwe 25 August 2008 –28 June 2013
Hon. Martin Dinha 25 August 2008 –28 June 2013
Hon. Aeneas Chigwedere 25 August 2008 –28 June 2013
Hon. Faber Chidarikire 24 August 2008 –28 June 2013
Hon. Titus Maluleke 25 August 2008 –28 June 2013
Hon. Thokozile Mathuthu 15 April 2005 –28 June 2013
Hon. Angeline Masuku 1 December 2003 –28 June 2013
Hon. Jaison Machaya 25 August 2008 –28 June 2013

Notes

  1. ↑ In terms of the Constitution, no minister was permitted to hold office for longer than three months unless he is a member of Parliament. Sibanda was not given a seat in Parliament, and as such lost his post automatically after three months had passed.
  2. ↑ Roy Bennett was nominated by the MDC-T as Deputy Minister for Agriculture and was appointed a Senator as one of their four party-appointed seats. Bennett was sworn in as a Senator, however Mugabe refused to swear him in as a Deputy Minister during the course of the GNU, and several charges were brought against him, eventually forcing him to live in exile after September 2010.

References

  1. ↑ "Constitution of Zimbabwe as Amended by Amendment (No. 19) Act, 2009". Veritas Zimbabwe. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  2. ↑ "Sibanda Loses Ministerial Post". The Zimbabwean. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  3. ↑ "Zimbabwe's Government of National Unity". Royal United Services Institute. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  4. ↑ "Government of National Unity". Pindula. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  5. ↑ "Too many cabinet posts". The Zimbabwean. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  6. ↑ "Theresa Makone must resign". The Zimbabwean. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  7. ↑ "Mugabe appoints 3 senators, 7 governors". TalkZimbabwe. 25 August 2008. Archived from the original on 6 January 2009. Retrieved 15 February 2009.
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