Zimbabwe’s president Robert Mugabe on Monday shuffled his cabinet, moving the Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa to a newly created portfolio, Cyber Security ministry.
Chinamasa is now tasked with tackling crimes on online platforms ahead of the country’s election, slated for 2018.
The creation of the new docket comes on the back of a draft Computer and Cyber Crimes Bill that is still in the process of being finalized.
The new bill, if passed into law, will criminalize posting of false information on the internet, revenge porn and cyber-bullying among other activities.
Chinamasa will take charge of policing all online content in the Southern African country.
The minister was last month reported to say that the government would now treat social media as a security threat after accusing users of spreading rumours about shortages of basic goods, which caused panic buying and price increases.
Though not known for major usage of social media, Zimbabweans have in the past used the platform to mobilize action on various social issues.
Most notably, pastor Evan Mawarire in 2016 began a ‘This Flag’ movement on social media as a campaign calling upon Zimbabweans to protest against the country’s deteriorating economy.
Last month, a group of domestic workers created WhatsApp group to help them solve issues pertaining to payment modes.
Chinamasa was replaced at the treasury by Home Affairs Minister Ignatius Chombo in the cabinet shuffle that also diminished the role of Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who has been seen by many as a potential successor to President Mugabe.
Chinamasa’s new posting prompted a flurry of social media reactions, especially on Twitter.
chinamasa gets toughest job in cabinet, he had to deal with the uncontrollable economy now has been given the uncontrollable social media
— Slaughter (@Murenawashe) October 10, 2017
https://twitter.com/kuzzzie/status/917700291356749824
Can l kindly ask, this Chinamasa portfolio of Cyber Security and Mitigation isnt it the job of an Antivirus?
— Guzete (@mspbern) October 10, 2017
Ever thought about the implications of Chinamasa's new ministry on Freedom of Speech & Expression as inshrined in the Human Rights Charter?
— samashada (@Blessingmandik1) October 10, 2017
