Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
THE 2025 performance evaluation results for public sector officials, announced this Monday, revealed top and bottom performers across various sectors, with local authorities coming under scrutiny for underperformance.
Speaking during the announcement of the results and the signing of 2026 performance contracts in Harare, President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa underscored the need for local authorities to urgently address performance gaps.
Local authorities were among the worst performers in the 2025 evaluations, raising concern given their critical role in service delivery across the country.
The Head of State said shortcomings at local authority level directly affect the provision of essential social services and must be rectified.
“I am aware of the performance management gaps in local authorities. Hence, to complement the innovative Minimum Service Delivery Standards, additional reform measures are necessary to address the concerns of our grassroots communities,” he said.
President Dr Mnangagwa also highlighted the importance of aligning legal frameworks to support ongoing public sector reforms.
“The journey of our public sector reforms now requires the continuous realignment of our legal instruments. These should help to improve reporting and public disclosure of performance results, as well as eliminate corruption, negligence and poor service delivery. Government stands ready to ensure that performance contracting is broadened to cater for the different levels and grades in the public sector.
“This will, however, require more skills and capacities in Results-Based Management. In this respect, the Public Service Commission, through its academies across the country, is called upon to build a wider skills base.”
The President further welcomed the introduction of a peer review mechanism in the evaluation system, describing it as a progressive step towards enhancing transparency and accountability.
“The introduction of the new Peer Review Mechanism to our evaluation system is a welcome innovation. The fact that the approach entails the involvement of peers, subordinates, seniors and citizens in performance evaluation is applauded. This should help enhance credibility and objectivity of our performance contracting system. Similarly, our National Development Strategy 2 outlines national and sectoral targets to be implemented by both MDAs, with strong collaboration from other stakeholders.
“To this end, we must consolidate the whole-of-government and society approach modalities for seamless harmonisation and synergies.”
The performance contracting framework is expected to improve accountability and drive better results among public sector officials, ultimately enhancing service delivery nationwide.
