President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reinstated Simelisizwe Sibanda as Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education. Sibanda was dismissed after a leaked recording showed him reprimanding a Shona-speaking teacher in Matebeleland South for not speaking isiNdebele.

The recording, in which Sibanda ordered the teacher’s immediate transfer, caused public outrage, leading to his removal. Sibanda later apologized for his actions.

In an official statement, Chief Secretary Martin Rushwaya announced that Sibanda has been pardoned and reappointed, effective immediately.

“Following representations, apologies, and promises to avoid similar behavior in the future, the President has decided to pardon Hon. Simelisizwe Sibanda,” the statement read. “His Excellency the President has reappointed Sibanda as Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, with immediate effect.”