Story by Stanley James
Zimbabwe has recorded an over 70% increase in public entities compliance with accountability regulations for the benefit of economic planners.
A Public Entities Corporate Governance Compliance Assessment Survey Report released to state-owned enterprises executives at a gender mainstreaming in Public Entities workshop in Harare this Thursday reflects that most of the utilities are holding Annual General Meetings, producing financial and strategic plans on time.
Executives of the public entities revealed commitment to accountability systems.
“The focus is on accountability that is to say how are we coping up with the Governance structures as a public entity mandated to collect revenue in behalf of the Government it is imperative for us to therefore Institute prudent financial systems,” said ZIMRA commissioner-general, Ms Regina Chinamasa.
“Gender inclusivity is also at the core focus of our business units as we seek to strike a balance between the operations and serving the interest of our shareholders so going forward we shall continue to embrace such an agenda,” said Airports Company of Zimbabwe chief executive officer, Mr Tawanda Gusha.
The public sector is being commended for policies to facilitate gender inclusivity.
“Zimbabwe is making strides in terms of gender inclusivity in terms of ensuring that the state enterprises include reforms of gender systems to date it is imperative to note that public entities on such a system,” said Zimbabwe Gender Commission chairperson, Mrs Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe.
Release of financial statements is expected to bolster confidence.
“The compliance assessment survey report shows that the level of compliance really has increased from a baseline of 60% in 2020 to over 73% as of now, this shows that public entities have embraced good corporate governance practices and realise value of meeting the stipulated requirements over 68% of the entities surveyed scored above 70%, 32% scored between 0 and 70% and only eight percent scored below the median 50% mark,” said permanent secretary of Corporate Governance Unit, Office of the President and Cabinet, Dr Allen Choruma.
The Compliance Assessment Survey Report indicates that accountability is key towards improving service delivery.
