This is the biography of Ziyambi Ziyambi, a Zimbabwean politician who has held the position of Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs since 2018. A member of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), he has been involved in various governmental roles throughout his career.
Early Life and Education
Ziyambi Ziyambi was born and raised on a farm in Zowa, Mashonaland West, Zimbabwe. He pursued higher education at the University of South Africa (UNISA), where he obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 2013. Subsequently, he enrolled at Midlands State University (MSU) for a Master of Laws degree in Constitutional and Human Rights Law, graduating in November 2016.
Ziyambi Ziyambi Professional Background
Before entering politics, Ziyambi worked as a medical laboratory scientist. He served at Harare Hospital and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, specialising in clinical chemistry and immunology. From 2001 to 2005, he was the New Start Project Manager at Population Services International (PSI), overseeing HIV testing initiatives. During this period, he introduced rapid HIV point-of-care testing at all New Start centres in 2002, significantly increasing access to testing.
Ziyambi Ziyambi Political Career
Ziyambi’s political career began in 2013 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Zvimba West. In September 2013, he was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs in Robert Mugabe’s government. He served in this capacity until September 2015.
In the 2018 elections, Ziyambi was re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Zvimba West. Following the elections, he was appointed as the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.
Ziyambi Ziyambi Ministerial Tenure
Ziyambi Ziyambi Biography [Image: New Zim]
As Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi has overseen several significant developments:
- Judicial Reforms: He has been involved in efforts to reform the judiciary, aiming to enhance efficiency and transparency within the legal system.
- Legislative Oversight: Ziyambi has played a role in reviewing and amending existing laws to align with constitutional provisions and international standards.
- Parliamentary Affairs: He has managed the relationship between the executive and legislative branches, facilitating communication and cooperation on legislative matters.
In September 2023, following the August 2023 elections, President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced his new cabinet, with Ziyambi Ziyambi retaining his position as Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.
Controversies and Challenges
Ziyambi’s tenure has not been without controversy:
- Factionalism in ZANU-PF (2014): During internal party conflicts, he was appointed as the Acting Provincial Chair for Mashonaland West. However, he was removed from this position in mid-July 2015 due to accusations of dishonesty and failure to plan for the election of a substantive committee.
- COVID-19 Battle (2021): In January 2021, reports indicated that Ziyambi was hospitalised in the ICU of a Harare hospital due to COVID-19. This occurred following the deaths of other government officials, including Joel Biggie Matiza and Sibusiso Moyo.
- Alleged Relationship with Dr Zorodzai Maroveke (2021): In June 2021, Temba Mliswa alleged that Ziyambi was in a romantic relationship with Dr Zorodzai Maroveke. He released a series of screenshots of his chats with an alleged informant, which included messages and photos suggesting a personal relationship between Ziyambi and Dr Maroveke.
Ziyambi Ziyambi Personal Life
Ziyambi is married to Florence Ziyambi, a lawyer and former Deputy Prosecutor-General. In September 2020, he filed for divorce, citing that the relationship had irretrievably broken down with no prospects of restoration. At the time, the couple had been estranged for seven years.
He is also the brother of Amon Philip Ziyambi, Zimbabwe’s first black train driver.
References
- Ziyambi Ziyambi – LinkedIn
- #RateYourMinister – Open Parly Zimbabwe
- Ziyambi Ziyambi – Washington Times
- Justice Minister Ziyambi divorces wife of 27 years – New Zimbabwe
