Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says the successful implementation of the NDS1 priority areas in its final year will play a major role in pushing the country towards sustainable development.
Addressing cabinet ministers and senior government officials at this year’s performance contracts and awards ceremony held this Monday at State House in Harare, President Mnangagwa said since introduction of the mechanism in 2021, the country has witnessed among other things stable economic growth, launch of the presidential title deeds as well as the gold backed ZiG.
The President added that the performance appraisals promotes positive competition among Gvt Ministers, Departments and Agencies (MDAs)
The Head of State further said the public sector must bring to an end complacency calling on all to take part in the reform agenda being spearheaded by the government.
Meanwhile, government ministers and senior government officials who were acknowledged at this year’s performance contracts and awards ceremony held this Monday have pledged to continue working hard towards the attainment of an upper-middle income society by 2030.
‘What gets measured gets done,’ has been a constant message by the Second Republic and in 2021, President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched the Performance Contracts Signing and Awards ceremony aimed at spurring positive competition among government officials and ensure accountability in the discharge of their duties.
2024 best performers include:
1. The Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development Honourable Felix Mhona, who was the Best Performing Cabinet Minister for the year 2024.
2. Masvingo Province’s Honourable Ezra Chadzamira who was awarded overall Best Performing Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution.
3. ZINARA Board Chairperson, Dr George Manyaya who was the Overall Best Performing Board Chairperson – Revenue Collection Authorities Sector
“I am honoured to have been recognised and it was a team effort towards Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development vision,” Minister Mhona said.
“As we journey towards vision 2030 this award is proof that together we can go far,” Honourable Chadzamira said.
“As ZINARA we are encouraged by the award and the work we are doing in the ground in delivering key services to the people,” Dr Manyaya added.
Vice President General Retired Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi, represented by Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, said the result-driven approach encourages excellence and accountability.
“This ceremony stands as a testament to our guests of honour’s result-driven approach, encouraging excellence, accountability, and an unwavering pursuit of outcomes that truly benefit the people of Zimbabwe.
“Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, in 2021, our esteemed guests of honour introduced performance, contracting as the cornerstone of our public sector management system. This visionary initiative has been transformative, driving substantial progress across key sectors as infrastructure, agriculture, mining and education.
“Through setting clear measurable targets and holding our public sector leaders accountable, Performance, Contracting has not only enhanced the efficiency of governance but also ensured that no one and no place is left behind in our journey towards sustainable national development,” Vice President Chiwenga said.
“The signing of performance contracts and the recognition of excellence demonstrates our shared commitment (to transparency, accountability, and exceptional performance in service delivery. To those honoured with awards today, I salute you and offer my warmest congratulations. Your hard work, dedication, and innovative approach to addressing the challenges of governance serve as a beacon for others to emulate,” Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said.
Senior civil servants, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Mrtin Rushwaya and Public Service Commission Chairperson, Dr Vincent Hungwe also spoke about the significance of the awards.
“The awards were awarded in terms of Delivery of mandates by ministries, Service delivery standards for local authorities along with performance based on the following- achievement of targets,” Dr Mrtin Rushwaya said.
“As we convene for another singling ceremony we do so with conviction that its strengthening and gaining momentum in the public service. We as stewards of public have the mandate to push and improve the quality of life for our people,” Dr Vincent Hungwe said.
This year’s performance contract signing ceremony included deputy ministers, commissioners and deputy chief secretaries, hence expanding the accountability framework as the nation targets to be an upper middle income society by 2030.
