Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday lauded the significant progress made since the introduction of performance contracts for senior government officials in 2021.
Speaking to senior officials, including Ministers, Deputy Ministers, commissioners, and deputy chief secretaries, who were signing performance contracts in his presence, President Mnangagwa highlighted the achievements across various sectors.
“These include state economic growth, introduction of the ZiG, the launch of the Presidential Title Deeds program, and the establishment of village units, among others. The growing culture of accountability, integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness is also evolving,” he said.
He emphasized that performance contracts have played a crucial role in driving government programing and instilling a new work ethic.
“Furthermore, the proficiency ratings, awards, and recommendations have also enhanced policy and structural responsiveness, while injecting positive competition among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies,” he said.
President Mnangagwa however expressed concern about some officials who have yet to fully embrace performance contracting and strategic planning.
“Public sector officials are directed to keep up with these ongoing reforms. On its part, my government will continue to roll out sensitization and training in results-based management across the public sector at all levels,” he said.
He also urged government departments to prioritize the digitalization of their services to improve ease of doing business.
“The Second Republic will continue with its modernization drive by digitalizing services and improving efficiencies in all administrative processes. Key deadlines must now be issued, requiring that relevant online services be deployed across the public sector to improve convenience in our season. The provision of online services should be a key result area of joint proficiency evaluations,” he explained.
In addition, President Mnangagwa outlined ongoing sector-specific reforms aimed at modernizing government operations to better serve the youth and address sectoral needs.
“This includes reviewing and eliminating some of the overlapping permits and licenses being charged by MDAs (Ministries, Departments and Agencies). The extension of cumbersome bureaucratic procedures affecting the ease of business is also being prioritized,” he stated.
President Mnangagwa also announced that, starting next year, government programs and projects would be governed by joint performance contracts.
“This will bring traction in the completion of projects, while improving resource allocation and utilization. These interventions equally provide avenues for the incorporation of private sector and government partners into public sector programming. I expect the joint performance contracts will be mainstreamed as we formulate national development strategies,” he said.
New Ziana
