Zimbabwean minister appointed acting president as Mnangagwa visits South Africa

HARARE, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- A cabinet minister was named acting president as Zimbabwe's Emmerson Mnangagwa left for South Africa on a working visit.

Yet to appoint his two deputies, Mnangagwa on Thursday left Minister of Environment, Water and Climate Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri as acting president.

Muchinguri-Kashiri is currently the most senior member of the ruling Zanu-PF's Politburo where she was recently appointed national chairperson.

This is Mnangagwa's first visit outside the country as head of state following his inauguration in November when he took over from former President Robert Mugabe.

He is expected to hold talks with President Jacob Zuma and attend a business conference to be hosted by the Zimbabwean embassy in South Africa.

The South African government said the two presidents would discuss various bilateral issues.

"During the courtesy call, the two heads of state will share perspectives on various issues of mutual importance, such as regional, continental and international developments," the South African Presidency said.

South Africa is Zimbabwe's biggest trading partner and the two countries have signed over 40 cooperation agreements under their Bi-National Commission early this year. Enditem