Charamba Says Muguti Was “Out of Order” Over Chiefs’ Court Media Directive

By Simba Zimunya

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has publicly criticised former Local Government and Public Works Permanent Secretary Tafadzwa Muguti over his attempt to restrict media coverage of traditional courts, declaring that the former official was “out of order”.

Charamba's remarks have intensified attention surrounding Muguti's sudden departure from the ministry, barely two months after his appointment.

Although the official announcement confirming Muguti's replacement did not disclose the reason for his removal, Charamba's comments identified the dispute over media access to chiefs' courts as an issue on which he believed Muguti had exceeded his authority.

Charamba Challenges Muguti's Authority

Muguti had reportedly called for restrictions on the use of mobile phones, filming and recording during proceedings in traditional courts.

Speaking at a meeting with provincial assemblies of chiefs, local government directors and district development coordinators in October, he argued that recording sensitive cases could expose private family and community disputes on social media.

He also said the Ministry was working on amendments to the Traditional Leaders Act to address concerns surrounding the handling and publication of traditional court proceedings.

However, Charamba argued that traditional courts form part of Zimbabwe's judicial system and that officials in the Executive cannot independently impose rules governing how those courts operate.

“The former Permanent Secretary was out of order,” Charamba said.

He maintained that judicial officers presiding over cases have the authority to determine whether proceedings should be open to the media or held in camera.

Charamba further argued that where concerns arise over the handling of a particular case, the matter should be addressed through the courts rather than through a blanket directive from a government ministry.

Muguti Replaced After Less Than Two Months

Muguti's removal was announced on Wednesday, November 11, by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works with immediate effect.

The announcement cited Section 205(1) of the Constitution but did not provide an explanation for Muguti's departure.

Muguti had assumed the position in September 2026 after previously serving in Harare's provincial administration.

A Short Tenure Marked by Public Controversies

His brief time in the ministry was marked by several controversial directives and public interventions.

One of the most prominent was Operation Chenesa, a campaign targeting illegal structures and informal trading in central business districts.

The campaign attracted criticism after Muguti was filmed directing municipal police to arrest an airtime vendor with a disability in Harare's central business district.

He also drew public criticism over remarks suggesting that citizens should remain in their ancestral areas rather than purchase land in other parts of the country.

Another dispute emerged following the hailstorm that damaged more than 17,000 homes in Masvingo in October. Muguti said assistance from organisations and individuals should be coordinated through district and provincial government structures.

His position raised concerns among people who argued that restrictions on independent assistance could delay support to families affected by the disaster.

Previous Legal Disputes Over His Directives

Muguti's earlier tenure in Harare's provincial administration had also involved disputes over the authority of his office.

In 2021, he directed non-governmental organisations operating in Harare to submit their work plans and activities to his office. Organisations that challenged the directive argued that he had no legal authority to regulate their operations.

The High Court subsequently granted an interim order barring interference with or suspension of the organisations while the matter was pending.

In 2022, Muguti was also named in a contempt of court application brought by Chitungwiza residents' representatives over alleged continued demolitions despite an earlier court order protecting certain informal traders' structures. The application sought action against him and a municipal official; the filing itself should not be treated as proof of contempt.

What Has Actually Been Confirmed?

The timing of Charamba's criticism, coming shortly after Muguti's removal, has fuelled speculation that the chiefs' court dispute contributed to the decision.

However, there is an important distinction between Charamba's public criticism and the official reason for the presidential decision.

The appointment announcement did not state that Muguti was dismissed because of the media directive. Neither did it provide a list of reasons for his removal.

What is confirmed is that Muguti was replaced, Charamba publicly declared that he had exceeded his authority over traditional court proceedings, and Dr Pazvakavambwa took over the permanent secretary position.

The circumstances surrounding Muguti's departure therefore remain officially unexplained.