Government computerises social protection programmes

Harare (New Ziana) – Social protection programmes in the country will now be computerised with the launch of the Zimbabwe Integrated Social Protection Management Information System (ISPMIS) on Thursday.
The system will enable harmonised implementation and monitoring of social protection programmes, while ensuring transparency and good governance of social protection programming and creating inter-linkages with the Civil Registry Department to ease registration of beneficiaries and avoid duplications.
Launching the programme in Harare, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Minister, Professor Paul Mavima said the government has invested heavily in Information Communication Technologies (ICT) as part of a broader programme to modernise government work processes and enablers of economic growth.
“The thrust is to utilize information and communication technologies and digital technologies in the provision of government services with a view to enhancing service delivery for the benefit of the ordinary Zimbabwean so that we work towards achieving vision 2030,” said Mavima, whose ministry is mandated to provide relief to people facing hardships arising from socio-economic, climate and natural disasters.
The Zimbabwe National Social Protection Policy Framework (NSPPF) of 2016, recommended the creation of an ISPMIS for better management of social protection programs in Zimbabwe, dovetailing with the NDS1 where it is a major expected output under the social protection thematic area.
He appealed to the ministries of Finance and Economic Development and Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services and partners that include the World Bank; United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP), Synergy and Africom to continue supporting the country with ICT gadgets and the requisite infrastructure critical for district officials to start inputting information into the system to come up with a national social registry.
Piloted in nine Cyclone Idai affected districts of Chikomba, Mutare, Chipinge, Buhera, Chimanimani, Masvingo, Zaka, Gutu and Chiredzi using the food deficit mitigation strategy programme, Mavima said the system was tremendously successful as district officers witnessed how the system accommodates components of shock responsiveness in social protection.
“Beneficiaries were registered in the social registry using both offline and online application, households were validated, approved payments and paysheets were produced at district level,” he said. “In addition, it was observed that the system is flexible enough to add new programs and their parameters. Development partners are also able to access information relevant to their programs.”
Speaking at the same occasion, UNICEF representative, Tajudeen Oyewale said ISPMIS aligns with both the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022-2026) and the UNICEF Zimbabwe country programme (2022-2026) by effectively identifying beneficiaries, capturing their information, reporting on the assistance provided, and ensuring predictable and regular assistance while enhancing the resilience of the system to shocks and enable timely responses.
“This comprehensive information system will contribute towards addressing issues such as fragmentation, duplication, double dipping, and overlaps, the system will enhance the sector’s efficiency,” said Oyewale.
New Ziana