Story by Theophilus Chuma
THE Second Republic is tightening accountability and transparency within central government operations, with Deputy-Ministers, Deputy Secretaries and Public Service Commissioners set to sign performance contracts, with effect from this year.
Re-affirming a programme targeted to strengthen the capacity of government and increase accountability, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya engaged Deputy-Ministers, Deputy Secretaries and commissioners at an induction workshop convened in Kadoma this Thursday.
“As Zimbabwe strives to achieve Vision 2030 and respond to the diverse needs of our citizens, performance contracting emerges as a strategic approach that aligns our efforts with the priorities of our government. It establishes clear expectations, measurable outcomes and a culture of accountability that is essential for effective public service,” said Dr Rushwaya.
The focus of the engagement was to prepare the officials on performance contracts, a mandatory initiative that will now rate the performance of Deputy Ministers.
“As you perform your daily duties, you are expected to drive implementation of the national vision. Your responsibilities are multi-faceted, and your success will be measured against the impact you will make in the lives of Zimbabweans.
“Accountability is the barometer for entrenching a market-facing and people-centred government as espoused by His Excellency the President. Performance contracts are not developed in isolation, they are directly linked to Zimbabwe’s national blueprints, including Vision 2030,” noted Dr Rushwaya.
Government reckons performance contracting and service delivery are critical for enhanced public administration and governance.
“Through performance contracting, you are now part of a framework where results of your work are not only seen but measured. What Gets Measured Gets Done,” stated Dr Rushwaya.
Since its launch by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2021, performance contracting continues to post significant traction and is on a critical pedestal in driving accountability.
The Public Service Commission says the system improves service delivery by aligning individual goals with larger national objectives.
“There is no better time than now to convene and deliberate on the critical issue of performance contracting. We find ourselves at a pivotal juncture, transitioning from NDS1 to NDS2, a shift that necessitates a reinforced focus on accountability and measurable impact,” Public Service Commission’s Deputy Chairperson, Dr Noma Ndiweni said.
Performance contracting is lauded as a pivotal monitoring tool for public officials to ensure delivery of quality service, efficiency in operations as well as accountability to public expectations.
