President Emmerson Mnangagwa has removed Tafadzwa Muguti as Permanent Secretary for Local Government and Public Works.
The decision comes barely two months after Muguti took up the influential government position.
Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya announced the changes on Wednesday evening.
He confirmed that Addmore Pazvakavambwa would take over from Muguti, although authorities offered no explanation.
Pazvakavambwa previously served as Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Masvingo Province.
Muguti’s sudden departure follows mounting criticism over his role in the nationwide demolition of illegal structures.
His appointment quickly placed him at the centre of a controversial government campaign.
Authorities demolished homes and informal trading stalls across several parts of Zimbabwe.
Consequently, thousands of people lost their businesses, while numerous families faced homelessness.
The operation attracted criticism from citizens, civic organisations and opposition politicians.
Many accused authorities of destroying livelihoods without providing affected communities with viable alternatives.
Muguti’s controversial tenure attracted growing criticism
Muguti developed a reputation for outspoken remarks and tough enforcement measures.
His approach attracted criticism during his time as Harare Provincial Development Coordinator.
He continued facing controversy after becoming Permanent Secretary for Local Government and Public Works.
Even within ZANU PF, some figures questioned his public conduct.
Former ZANU PF Youth League political commissar Godfrey Tsenengamu accused him of behaving “like a street activist”.
Muguti also attracted criticism over his remarks concerning traditional leaders and illegal land sales.
He had particularly criticised village heads involved in selling land through alleged “sabhuku deals”.
However, critics questioned his language and approach when addressing traditional leaders.
Following his removal, several social media users welcomed the development.
Some described him as arrogant and accused him of enjoying “dzungu” and public showmanship.
His controversial campaign to restore order in Harare also generated political tensions.
Muguti threatened action against upmarket properties in Arlington Estates and informal businesses.
His approach reportedly unsettled some senior ZANU PF officials.
He also faced accusations of obstructing development activities in Chitungwiza.
Meanwhile, opposition politician Job Sikhala condemned his handling of NGOs and informal businesses.
Sikhala described the situation as a “reign of terror” affecting communities in Zengeza West.
Muguti’s opposition to street vending also attracted widespread criticism.
He repeatedly demanded that local authorities enforce by-laws against traders operating outside designated areas.
However, critics argued that many Zimbabweans depended on informal trading for survival.
Garwe’s statement raises further questions about Muguti’s removal
Muguti generated further controversy in October 2026 over cellphone use in chiefs’ courts.
He argued that mobile phones compromised confidentiality when people recorded proceedings and shared them online.
His proposal divided public opinion, with some supporting confidentiality protections.
Others considered the restriction unnecessary and potentially harmful to cultural education.
His comments about ancestral land and rural housing restrictions also attracted criticism.
Some accused him of abusing his authority and ignoring historical displacement.
Others supported returning to one’s kumusha and strengthening connections with ancestral communities.
Meanwhile, questions surrounding the demolition campaign intensified shortly before his departure.
Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe publicly distanced the Government from the ongoing demolitions.
Speaking on Wednesday, 11 November, Garwe said the demolitions were not Government policy.
His remarks raised questions about the relationship between Muguti’s actions and government policy.
The timing of his removal has consequently fuelled speculation about the controversial operation.
However, authorities have not confirmed whether public criticism or the demolitions influenced Mnangagwa’s decision.
In a separate appointment, Mnangagwa named former Deputy Finance Minister Clemence Chiduwa Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Investment Promotion.
Chiduwa will deputise Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who leads the recently established ministry.
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