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Mnangagwa cracks the whip on under-performing ministers
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa has firmly addressed the issue of underperformance among some Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, holding them accountable for lapses in submitting essential reports and attending crucial Cabinet Committee meetings. The President expressed dissatisfaction over the disruption these failures have caused in the smooth functioning of government operations.
In a meeting at State House in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa met with the ten Ministers responsible for the country's ten administrative provinces. During the session, he underscored the importance of timely and comprehensive reports to facilitate an effective National Devolution Agenda. He called out the non-submission of reports and failure to attend Cabinet Committee meetings as serious derelictions of duty that undermine progress.
"This is unacceptable and tantamount to dereliction of duty. Similarly, the non-attendance to Cabinet Committee meetings by some Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in 2024 was glaring. As a result, Cabinet committee submissions missed vital input from Provinces. This anomaly must be adequately addressed," President Mnangagwa stated.
He stressed that provincial leaders must ensure the timely submission of both ad-hoc and routine reports, covering key issues such as economic affairs within their provinces. These reports, the President emphasized, are vital for informed decision-making and driving national development.
President Mnangagwa also expressed his frustration with the hesitation and inaction displayed by some ministers, warning that such behavior is incompatible with his administration's goals. "Hesitation, the dragging of feet and fence sitting are not acceptable dispositions under my administration. We need leaders who are bold, focused, and willing to make the requisite personal sacrifices to achieve unprecedented results."
He called on the Ministers to demonstrate the leadership and humility required to rally communities across all districts and provinces around the vision of national unity and development. He reiterated the government's commitment to improving living standards and achieving shared prosperity through the principle of "leaving no one and no place behind."
In his address, the President called for a shift in the role of Ministries of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, urging the transformation from mere administrative bodies to active players in championing economic development at the sub-national level. He highlighted the need for a provincial fiscal performance analysis dashboard to monitor the socio-economic progress of each province and ensure their alignment with the National Development Strategy.
The President also emphasized the importance of utilizing the country's natural resources to drive economic growth, urging communities to take on an active role in transforming these resources into sustainable investment opportunities. "All the 10 provinces are blessed with God-given natural resources, and our people must remain good custodians, ensuring that these resources are transformed into life-changing projects," he said.
Addressing the recent challenges posed by natural disasters, including the El-Nino induced drought, President Mnangagwa urged the Ministers to remain vigilant in ensuring timely assistance reaches those in need, especially in rural areas.
The President also took the opportunity to caution against the influence of private voluntary organizations pursuing hidden agendas. He called on provincial structures to expose such activities that seek to undermine progress achieved under the Second Republic.
The supremacy of Zanu-PF in the government and the importance of aligning party and government activities was another central theme of the meeting. President Mnangagwa directed the Ministers to continue working closely with traditional leaders and party structures, ensuring that the people are actively involved in decision-making processes.
In response to the President's remarks, Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, expressed gratitude for the guidance provided, emphasizing that the meeting would push them to work harder toward achieving Vision 2030.
Minister of State for Mashonaland East, Dr Apollonia Munzverengwi, highlighted the infrastructural developments taking place in her province, particularly the construction of dams, which are benefitting thousands of households through improved irrigation systems.
As the meeting concluded, President Mnangagwa reiterated his call for unity of purpose, innovation, and a dedicated commitment to the realization of the nation's development goals, which are integral to achieving the Vision 2030 objectives.
With the President's strong message, it is clear that the government will no longer tolerate complacency in provincial leadership and expects swift action to address the challenges that hinder the progress of the country.
In a meeting at State House in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa met with the ten Ministers responsible for the country's ten administrative provinces. During the session, he underscored the importance of timely and comprehensive reports to facilitate an effective National Devolution Agenda. He called out the non-submission of reports and failure to attend Cabinet Committee meetings as serious derelictions of duty that undermine progress.
"This is unacceptable and tantamount to dereliction of duty. Similarly, the non-attendance to Cabinet Committee meetings by some Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in 2024 was glaring. As a result, Cabinet committee submissions missed vital input from Provinces. This anomaly must be adequately addressed," President Mnangagwa stated.
He stressed that provincial leaders must ensure the timely submission of both ad-hoc and routine reports, covering key issues such as economic affairs within their provinces. These reports, the President emphasized, are vital for informed decision-making and driving national development.
President Mnangagwa also expressed his frustration with the hesitation and inaction displayed by some ministers, warning that such behavior is incompatible with his administration's goals. "Hesitation, the dragging of feet and fence sitting are not acceptable dispositions under my administration. We need leaders who are bold, focused, and willing to make the requisite personal sacrifices to achieve unprecedented results."
He called on the Ministers to demonstrate the leadership and humility required to rally communities across all districts and provinces around the vision of national unity and development. He reiterated the government's commitment to improving living standards and achieving shared prosperity through the principle of "leaving no one and no place behind."
In his address, the President called for a shift in the role of Ministries of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, urging the transformation from mere administrative bodies to active players in championing economic development at the sub-national level. He highlighted the need for a provincial fiscal performance analysis dashboard to monitor the socio-economic progress of each province and ensure their alignment with the National Development Strategy.
The President also emphasized the importance of utilizing the country's natural resources to drive economic growth, urging communities to take on an active role in transforming these resources into sustainable investment opportunities. "All the 10 provinces are blessed with God-given natural resources, and our people must remain good custodians, ensuring that these resources are transformed into life-changing projects," he said.
Addressing the recent challenges posed by natural disasters, including the El-Nino induced drought, President Mnangagwa urged the Ministers to remain vigilant in ensuring timely assistance reaches those in need, especially in rural areas.
The President also took the opportunity to caution against the influence of private voluntary organizations pursuing hidden agendas. He called on provincial structures to expose such activities that seek to undermine progress achieved under the Second Republic.
The supremacy of Zanu-PF in the government and the importance of aligning party and government activities was another central theme of the meeting. President Mnangagwa directed the Ministers to continue working closely with traditional leaders and party structures, ensuring that the people are actively involved in decision-making processes.
In response to the President's remarks, Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, expressed gratitude for the guidance provided, emphasizing that the meeting would push them to work harder toward achieving Vision 2030.
Minister of State for Mashonaland East, Dr Apollonia Munzverengwi, highlighted the infrastructural developments taking place in her province, particularly the construction of dams, which are benefitting thousands of households through improved irrigation systems.
As the meeting concluded, President Mnangagwa reiterated his call for unity of purpose, innovation, and a dedicated commitment to the realization of the nation's development goals, which are integral to achieving the Vision 2030 objectives.
With the President's strong message, it is clear that the government will no longer tolerate complacency in provincial leadership and expects swift action to address the challenges that hinder the progress of the country.
Source - the herald
