Story by Jeremiah Gora
THE PRESIDENT of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Cde Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has commended the introduction of performance contracting, noting that it has led to notable milestones across all sectors and contributed to the overall progress of the nation.
In his speech at the Announcement of the 2024 Performance Evaluation Results and 2025 Performance Contracts Signing Ceremony held at the State House in Harare today, President Cde Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa hailed the new ways of doing business, emphasizing that these approaches have borne fruit and contributed significantly to the nation’s progress.
“It is commendable that since the introduction of performance contracting, we have witnessed notable milestones across all sectors. These include steady economic growth, introduction of the ZiG, launch of the Presidential Title Deeds Programme and establishment of Village Units, among others.
“The growing culture of accountability, integrity, efficiency and effectiveness is also applauded,” said President Mnangagwa.
He added that this way of conducting government business is set to be adopted by Zimbabwe, reinforcing the commitment to enhance efficiency and accountability in governance.
“Meanwhile, Performance Contracts and internalisation of the Intergrated Result Based Management principles are driving programming and a new work ethic within Government.
“Furthermore, the performance ratings, awards and recommendations have also enhanced policy and structural responsiveness, while injecting positive competition among MDAs.
“Riding on the current momentum, more reforms will continue to be implemented, guided by global best practice, which takes into account the unique needs and challenges of our country,” he said.
He stated that the public sector must change its way of doing business and highlighted that it is disappointing that some officials have yet to adopt the new system, which is crucial for driving progress and accountability.
“The public sector, must resist the temptation of complacency and comfort. It is disappointing that there are some Officials who are yet to acquaint themselves and adopt performance contracting and the formulation of Strategic Plans. Public sector officials are directed to keep up with the ongoing reforms,” said the President, adding that his Government will continue to roll out sensitization and training in Results Based Management across the public sector.
The President noted that this year’s Performance Contracts have been extended to Deputy Ministers, Deputy Chief Secretaries, Public Service Commissioners, the Clerk of Parliament, and the Secretary to the Judicial Service Commission, reflecting a commitment to inclusive governance and accountability across all levels of leadership.
In addition, he stated that the introduction of Joint Performance Contracts for programmes and projects will be implemented with effect from 2026, aiming to enhance collaboration and efficiency in achieving national objectives.
His Excellency also said that gone are the days when governments were measured by the promises they make to the people and the credibility of their plans, instead, they will now be evaluated based on high performance, efficient resource utilization, and the delivery of quality services.
At the Awards Ceremony, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development was the top performer, with its Minister, Hon Advocate Felix Tapiwa Mhona (MP), scooping the Best Minister 2024 award for his outstanding leadership and contributions to the sector.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development Engineer J. P Makumbe was crowned the best Permanent Secretary, Dr George Manyaya, ZINARA Board Chairperson and ZINARA CEO Mr N. Ncube were also victorious.
