Though he first worked as a diplomat, Francis Nhema was better known as the founder of the Zimbabwe Building Society, a financial institution that provided housing loans to the poorest sectors of the community. He was a darling with the media until things started going wrong at ZBS. But he survived the scandal to become a minister in President Robert Mugabe’s government. His appointment was viewed more as a way of appeasing the family of former vice-President Joshua Nkomo, who had died a year before Nhema’s appointment, as Nhema was married to Nkomo’s daughter. Despite his mediocre performance, Nhema has remained in cabinet up to today. There are 25 Wikileaks cables on him. Here they are.
25-Properties of US citizens seized by government rise to 10
24-ZANU-PF old guard acting as if nothing has changed
23-Mzembi said Mugabe will not support Mnangagwa or Mujuru to succeed him
22-Nkomo said MDC could work with Nhema
21-Nhema retains Environment ministry in unity government
20-Nhema was frustrating Mutsambiwa
19-Minister is not a minister?
18-Canada supported the US but….
17-Slovenia said it would not join US in condemning Zimbabwe
15-Mugabe cronies busting US sanctions through safari operations
14-Presidential delegation trimmed
13-Property claims by US citizens rise to eight
12-Nhema asked US to support continued elephant hunting
11-EU opposed SADC nomination of Francis Nhema
10-Nhema approved partnership in conservancies
9-Embassy asks Nhema’s wife to be added to sanctions list
8-Why the US was interested in Zimbabwe’s land reform
7-Lock-step loyalty key for appointment by Mugabe
6-Save Conservancy issue not new
5-Cabinet reshuffle shows power of hardliners and military- Wikileaks
4-Midlands: the model in land redistribution
3-Mugabe rewards loyalty not competence
2-Nhema does not have political wherewithal
1-Failed banker lands ministerial post
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