CLAIM: Mildred Chari (sic) has been replaced by Mrs Virginia Mabhiza as Auditor General with effect from 1st November 2023.
SOURCE: TechMag TV
VERDICT: False
Media outlet TechMag TV posted on X, (formerly Twitter), that President Mnangagwa has made some reshuffles in his government by appointing VIrginia Mabhiza as Auditor General, replacing Mildred Chiri. The post has since been edited.
The initial post read: “President ED Mnangagwa has made some senior appointments to the Government.
After having served for 40 years exposing graft and funds misappropriation Mildred Chari (sic)has been replaced by Mrs Virginia Mabhiza as Auditor General with effect from 1st November 2023.
Dr Jorum McDonald Gumbo has been appointed Special Advisor to the President and Cabinet responsible for Monitoring Implementation of Government Programs.
Dr A (Agnes) Mahomva has been appointed Public Health Advisor to the President and Cabinet.
Mr Mike Madiro has been appointed Chairman of the National Railways of Zimbabwe.”
However, TechMag TV got it wrong when it said Mabhiza will be the new Auditor General with effect from November 1st.
According to a statement by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya, “His Excellency the President, has in terms of Section 114(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe appointed Mrs VIrginia Mabhiza as the Attorney General of Zimbabwe with effect from 1 November 2023.”
This means that Mabhiza is replacing the current Attorney General, Prince Machaya who will perform his last duties on October 31.
Mrs Mildred Chiri retired from her post as Auditor-General early this year, after 40 years in the civil service.
What are the duties of Auditor General in Zimbabwe?
The duties performed by a person holding this top post can be found here. These include providing assurance that public financial statements are free from misstatements that could affect the users of the financial statements. The Auditor General is also tasked to audit and report in respect to each financial year on the accounts of departments, institutions and agencies of government, all provincial and metropolitan councils and all local authorities, designated corporate board, statutory fund and other boards that have used public resources in discharging its functions.
What are the duties of an Attorney General in Zimbabwe?
An Attorney General works as a principal legal advisor to the President and Government and the office works as a separate entity in order to enhance its independence, effectiveness and efficiency. More duties can be read here.
Conclusion
The claim that Virginia Mabhiza has been appointed Auditor General has been rated as false. She will be taking up duty as the new Attorney General, instead.
