Zimbabwe has replaced the top civil servant at its Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, two months after he took the job. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa as permanent secretary in place of Tafadzwa Muguti, with immediate effect.
The change was announced on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, by Martin Rushwaya, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, the senior official serving the President. No reason was given.
What the Statement Said
Rushwaya said the appointment was made under Section 205(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the clause on appointing permanent secretaries. He added: “The appointment is with immediate effect.”
A permanent secretary is the top civil servant of a ministry and runs it day to day, while the minister sets political direction. This ministry oversees local councils, public infrastructure and public works.
The Harare skyline seen from Chiremba Road, 2020. Photo: Itaisibanda, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.A Short Stay at the Ministry
Muguti, an engineer, moved to the ministry in a reshuffle announced by Rushwaya on 11 September 2026. He had been permanent secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution, the policy of passing more power and money to provincial and local bodies.
He replaced Dr John Basera, who was moved to the Zimbabwe Land Commission as a commissioner. The commission is a constitutional body that deals with land matters.
What It Means for You
The ministry sits at the centre of how Zimbabwe’s cities and towns are run, so investors, aid groups and expats who deal with councils will now have a new senior contact. A second change at the top in two months means some of those contacts may need to be rebuilt.
For wider context on who holds power, see our guide to Zimbabwe’s politics