HARARE - Law professor Alex Magaisa has joined Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s office where he is in charge of shaking up the premier’s stuttering political strategy department.

Magaisa, a fierce critic of President Robert Mugabe’s regime joins Tsvangirai after the Prime Minister’s most difficult weeks since forming the coalition government almost four years ago.

His appointment is just one of a number of crisis responses to the events that began with the PM’s marital woes.

Magaisa was locked in meetings yesterday when we reached him for comment.

But insiders say Magaisa unveiled a new team on Friday, roping in Abigail Gamanya to stand-in for bedridden Luke Tamborinyoka who sustained critical injuries in a car accident last week.

Gamanya was already attached to the PM’s office, and will handle aspects of the communications operation while Tamborinyoka is on his road to recovery. As part of the shake-up, Gamanya becomes the acting director of communications in the Prime Minister’s Office.

However, Timba and Magaisa will speak on behalf of the PM; with the former speaking on government business while the latter will be commenting on political issues.

Magaisa’s entry creates three centres of power in the PM’s office.

He will have direct access to the Prime Minister and will “focus on a strategic approach to the political strategy” on the political desk.

Jameson Timba, minister of State in the Prime Minister office, will be seized with international relations, while chief secretary Ian Makone, will have responsibility for all civil service aspects as well as the government work programme.

Gamanya yesterday declined to comment, saying anything regarding the PM’s office will be handled by the minister in the PM’s office.

Timba was unreachable for comment yesterday, but Tsvangirai said in a recent press statement that the reshuffle — the biggest change in his office since he became Prime Minister in March 2009 — was aimed at strengthening his office and government. - Gift Phiri, Politcs editor