Story by Bruce Chahwanda
GOVERNMENT has inducted newly appointed officials in the Ministry of Lands and Rural Development as part of efforts to strengthen service delivery and advance the country’s Vision 2030 agenda.
The Ministry, created by President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, is headed by Honourable Vangelis Haritatos, deputised by Honourable Tsitsi Zhou, with Dr Prosper Matondi serving as Permanent Secretary.
The induction programme, held in Harare on Wednesday, was led by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya.
Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Reverend Paul Damasane, said the programme is designed to equip newly appointed office bearers with the knowledge required to execute their constitutional and executive responsibilities.
“When the President appoints new ministers and permanent secretaries, the Chief Secretary organises an induction programme to familiarise them with the operations of Government and the responsibilities of the Executive,” he said.
“When the President creates a ministry, he assigns it a specific mandate aligned with the broader national vision. The induction equips the leadership with the guidance required to execute that mandate with precision and efficiency.”
Minister of Lands and Rural Development, Honourable Vangelis Haritatos, welcomed the programme, saying it provides clarity as the ministry begins implementing its mandate.
“The transparency that comes with this process is important. Once our organisational structure is approved, we will outline our priorities for the coming months,” he said.
“One of our key priorities is the title deeds programme. We are also working on a new land policy and developing a national master plan. In addition, we are focusing on rural development and rural industrialisation, with value addition and beneficiation at the centre of our strategy.”
Government says the ministry will play a key role in promoting rural economic growth through industrialisation and value chain development aimed at improving livelihoods across the country.
