President Mnangagwa appoints general Anselem Sanyatwe as arts minister

Sanyatwe, who served as the Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) from October 2023 until 25 March 2025, replaces Kirsty Coventry. Coventry was elected as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during the 144th IOC Session in Greece on 20 March. She is set to succeed outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach in June this year.

The announcement was made in a government statement, which formally relieved Sanyatwe of his duties in the defence forces while appointing him to the Cabinet.

“In terms of Section 216(2) (Command of Defence Forces), as read with Section 340(1)(f) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and Section 115 (Commander-in-Chief Prerogative) of the Defence Act [Chapter 11:02], the President, in his capacity as such and as Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, has relieved and retired Lieutenant General Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and as Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army with immediate effect,” chief secretary to the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya, said in a statement.

He added: “In terms of Section 104(3) of the Constitution, His Excellency the President appoints Lieutenant General (Retired) Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe as Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture with immediate effect.”

Following Coventry’s appointment to the top IOC role, Mnangagwa hosted a celebratory dinner, which also marked the conclusion of her tenure as minister.

“Acting in terms of Section 108(1)(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, His Excellency President Dr E.D. Mnangagwa has relieved Honourable Kirsty Coventry of her position as Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture following her well-deserved election as President of the International Olympic Committee,” Rushwaya said.

In her farewell speech, Coventry, who served in the ministry since 2018, reflected on her time in office: “I remember in 2018 when I was appointed Minister of Sport. I didn’t believe it at first and I wasn’t too sure, but I believed in you, Your Excellency, and your vision for our country. I am so grateful to you for giving me this opportunity to serve Zimbabwe. I will always be here to support this government and our country in whatever way needed. Thank you, Your Excellency, for giving women the opportunity to lead.”

While Coventry had a strong background in sport, there is no known public record of Sanyatwe’s involvement in sport, recreation, arts, or culture. His appointment has sparked debate, with many viewing it as a demotion, while others argue that Mnangagwa is strategically placing loyalists in key government positions.