Vangelis Haritatos Appointed Minister Of Lands After Portfolio Split, Masuka Retains Agriculture
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Vangelis Haritatos as the new Minister of Lands and Rural Development after splitting the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development, while Anxious Masuka remains in charge of the agriculture portfolio.
The development was announced on 10 April 2026 in an official government press statement released by the Department of Presidential Communications.
The restructuring effectively separates land administration from agriculture operations, with Haritatos moving from his previous role as Deputy Minister in the combined ministry to head the newly created Lands and Rural Development portfolio.
Ministry Split Announced
In a statement dated 10 April 2026, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya confirmed that the restructuring followed a review of the ministry.
The official statement read:
“Following a review of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development portfolio, His Excellency the President, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa notifies that the Ministry has been divided into two separate portfolios.”
The statement further outlined the newly created ministries:
“Ministry of Lands and Rural Development
Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development.”
According to the statement, the changes were made in line with constitutional provisions.
“Consequently, in terms of Subsection 1 of Section 104 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, His Excellency the President has made the following appointment and re-assignment.”
Haritatos Elevated, Masuka Retains Agriculture
The announcement confirmed Vangelis Haritatos’ promotion to full cabinet minister.
“Hon. V.P. Haritatos, M.P. : Minister of Lands and Rural Development.”
Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka remains in charge of the agriculture portfolio.
“Hon. A.J. Masuka, M.P. : Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development.”
The government also confirmed that the appointments took effect immediately.
“The appointment and re-assignment are with immediate effect.”
The Department of Presidential Communications shared the announcement on X at 7:39 PM on 10 April 2026.
Haritatos is also a businessman and had been serving as Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development prior to his elevation.
The restructuring marks a significant administrative shift in Zimbabwe’s land and agriculture governance framework, with separate ministries now handling land and agricultural production responsibilities.
No further details were immediately provided on the reasons behind the restructuring.
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