Story by Patience Nyagato
THE government has collaborated with development partners for the launch of the Social Protection System Strengthening Programme aimed at developing a robust social protection system in the country.
Aimed at reducing poverty and vulnerability, improving social safety nets and support families that fall into crisis, especially during economic shocks and or natural disasters, the programme is being implemented by government and its development partners; the World Bank and UNICEF.
“We are very happy to be here today. It is a great opportunity to actually be working together collaboratively also with UNICEF and to join our forces to support the government on this very important program that will help target the most vulnerable in Zimbabwe with social protection support,” Country Manager for the World Bank, Ms Eneida Fernandes said.
“You have a system that is immediately able to kick into gear to support these families when they fall into crises or difficult situations. So this is what we are trying to do, really having a system that is responsive to the needs of people, that comes to the support of people in moments of shock, economic shock, disasters, natural disasters like the El Nino-induced drought or flooding, and it is going to make a difference,” UNICEF representative, Mrs Etona Ekole said.
“People have the ability to recover from shocks, and in some instances, they are able to ensure that children are properly nourished at home, that they are able to go to school, so really, it sets a basis to ensure that children are protected, especially during moments of shock.”
The government emphasised that poverty reduction and enhancement of the social status and rights of marginalised groups, among other social protection measures tops the list of its priorities.
“When we all come together like this, that joint effort will wield more results as it ensures no areas in social protection provision will be left unserved. As I listened to the presentations and the discussions, I am convinced that we are on a good trajectory with regards to the social protection sector. I am therefore looking forward to a Revised Social Protection Policy Framework, from the 2016 one, and this should be costed to facilitate resource mobilisation.
“To all of us here present, you are aware that we are finalising our NDS 1 this year, and as we get into the NDS 2, the social protection pillar is still a priority area. As the Permanent Secretary has said, for NDS 2, we will be contributing to the social development and social protection pillar, I, therefore, urge all of you to participate in the development of implementable strategies for the social protection sector that will help in the achievement of Vision 2030,” the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable Edgar Moyo said.
The Zimbabwe Socio-Economic Transformation Multi-Donor Trust Fund is expected to channel US$4 million towards social protection this year.
