Robert Mugabe appoints his deputies.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has appointed Minister of Justice,Emmerson Mnangagwa aka “The Crocodile” and Zimbabwe’s former ambassador to South Africa Phelekezela Mphoko  as his party deputies,

Mnangagwa, 68, is one of Mugabe's most trusted lieutenants, having served at his side for five decades, through prison, guerrilla war and then post-liberation government.

But Mugabe said his deputies will have no real influence as he would be firmly in charge. 

“The two vice-presidents have no real big function except that they are my deputies. I can give them work to do,” he said. 

“At the top will be President Mugabe and there are two vice-presidents, one of whom will be drawn from Zapu and one from Zanu. From the Zanu side is Emmerson Mnangagwa,” he said amid wild cheers from the crowd, which chanted “yes, yes, yes”.

“From the former Zapu side we get Mphoko. Congratulations to him.”

Mugabe’s appointments are in line with the 1987 Unity Accord signed by Zanu-PF and PF-Zapu, which saw the two parties merge to form Zanu-PF. The Unity Accord ended civil unrest in the country during which about 20,000 civilians, mostly from the Matabeleland and Midlands regions were killed.

The two parties agreed that each of them should have a vice-president in government.

The duo will be sworn in today.

Below is a list of the newly appointed ministers:

Vice Presidents: Emmerson Mnangagwa 1st Zanu PF Vice President

Phelekezela Mphoko 2nd Vice President

Secretary for Administration: Ignatius Chombo

Secretary for the Commissariat: Saviour Kasukuwere

Secretary for Finance: Obert Mpofu

External Affairs: Simbabrashe Mumbengegwi

National Security: Kembo Mohadi

Transport and Social Welfare: Oppah Muchinguri

Information and Publicity: SK Moyo

Legal Affairs: Patrick Chinamasa

Economic Empowerment Policy: Mike Bimha

Production and Labour: Josiah D. Hungwe

Health and Child Welfare: Cleveria Chizema