Zimbabwe’s President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has appointed former army chief Anselem Sanyatwe as the new Sports Minister after retiring him from military service.

The position became vacant following Kirsty Coventry’s election as President of the International Olympic Committee.

Sanyatwe’s removal from the military comes amid growing political tensions ahead of the 2028 general elections.

In recent months, Mnangagwa has also changed the heads of the police and intelligence service, further fueling speculation about internal power struggles.