President Ignites 2025 Cabinet with Renewed Focus on Service Delivery, Attainment of Vision 2030 By Takasununguka Ziki FOLLOW OUR CHANNEL: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCpLzu2f3EBYPSgI93M 12 February, 2025 | Zim Global Media News 🗞️ Harare – In a resounding call to action, His Excellency President Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa officially opened the 2025 Cabinet year with a strong emphasis on service delivery, accountability, and the relentless pursuit of Vision 2030. The President’s address, delivered at the first Cabinet meeting of the year, underscored the government’s commitment to transforming the lives of Zimbabweans through efficient governance, economic development, and people-centered policies. The meeting, attended by Vice Presidents Hon. Gen. (Rtd.) Dr. C. G. D. N. Chiwenga and Hon. Col. (Rtd.) K. C. D. Mohadi, along with senior government officials, marked the beginning of a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s journey toward prosperity. President Mnangagwa’s speech was a clarion call for unity, diligence, and a renewed sense of purpose among Cabinet members as they work to address the nation’s challenges and seize its opportunities. At the heart of the President’s address was the reaffirmation of Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, a national blueprint aimed at transforming the country into an upper-middle-income economy by the end of the decade. President Mnangagwa reminded Cabinet members of their duty to prioritize outcomes that positively impact the lives of citizens, emphasizing that no one and no place should be left behind in the nation’s development agenda. “The mandate before us is clear: we must deliver quality services to our citizens, ensuring that their needs are met and lives improved,” the President declared. He urged Ministers to lead by example, fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and excellence within their respective ministries. This, he noted, is essential for achieving the transformational results needed to propel Zimbabwe forward. In a bid to enhance service delivery, President Mnangagwa announced that performance contracting would remain a cornerstone of the government’s strategy in 2025. He directed that Deputy Ministers also sign performance contracts, a move aimed at bolstering accountability and efficiency across all levels of government. “Excellence is not an option; it is a guaranteed necessity to propel our national development agenda,” the President stated. The President also emphasized the importance of Cabinet Committees in ensuring the efficient functioning of government. He warned against absenteeism, stating that Ministers who fail to attend meetings due to approved reasons must delegate authority to Deputy Ministers or Permanent Secretaries. Attendance at Cabinet Committee and Working Party meetings, he noted, will form part of the performance evaluation criteria for government officials. President Mnangagwa highlighted the importance of the Ease of Doing Business Agenda, which remains a key focus for the government in 2025. He called for concerted efforts to remove barriers that hinder the start or growth of investments, whether local or foreign. The President commended the entrepreneurial spirit of Zimbabweans, describing them as hardworking by nature, and urged Ministries to ensure that businesses are not burdened by prohibitive regulations or punitive administrative fees. “Fees, licenses, permits, and regulations should promote economic development and improve the livelihoods of the people,” the President said. He also noted that the 2024/2025 farming season, despite a shaky start, is offering hope for the agricultural sector, which remains a critical pillar of Zimbabwe’s economy. The President expressed concern over the recent floods that have affected several regions of the country, causing distress to families and communities. He noted that school infrastructure, roads, bridges, and clinics have suffered extensive damage, and he assured citizens that the government would do its best to support those in need. The Ministers of Local Government and Public Works, as well as Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare, are expected to provide updates on the extent of the damage and the relief efforts underway. Infrastructure development, the President emphasized, remains a top priority for the government. He announced that projects would resume with greater momentum once the current wet conditions subside, with a focus on upgrading infrastructure at the district level. In a stern warning against corruption, President Mnangagwa reiterated that chicanery, manipulation of processes, and outright corruption of any kind will not be tolerated within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. He directed Ministers to maintain an oversight role over their span of control, ensuring value for money in the implementation of programs and projects. The President also stressed the importance of meritocracy in the appointment of individuals to public sector boards, stating that such appointments must be based on merit, competence, and the requisite experience. “Merit and performance must be the basis for awards of government projects and business,” he said. The year 2025 will be marked by numerous high-profile local, regional, and international engagements, including the 45th Independence Day Commemorations, which will be held in Gokwe-Nembudziya. This aligns with the Second Republic’s thrust of rotating national events at the grassroots level, ensuring that all regions of the country feel included in national celebrations. On the international front, Zimbabwe will continue to promote regional peace, unity, and solidarity as the current Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The President also highlighted the importance of the Osaka 2025 Expo, urging the private sector to work closely with the government to ensure that Zimbabwe reaps optimal socio-economic benefits from this premier global event. In his closing remarks, President Mnangagwa reminded Cabinet members that their work is a selfless service to the people of Zimbabwe. He challenged them to undertake their responsibilities with humility, sacrifice, and commitment, emphasizing that there is no room for lethargy or indecision. “Cabinet is run on the basis of collective responsibility; we must pull in one direction,” he said. The President’s address set a tone of urgency and determination for the year ahead, as Zimbabwe continues its journey toward achieving Vision 2030. With a renewed focus on service delivery, accountability, and economic development, the government is poised to make significant strides in improving the lives of its citizens and positioning the country as a beacon of hope and progress in Africa. As Zimbabwe embarks on this new chapter, the nation stands united in its pursuit of a brighter future, guided by the principles of patriotism, resilience, and shared prosperity. The road ahead may be challenging, but with the collective efforts of its leaders and citizens, Zimbabwe is well on its way to realizing its full potential. ——————————————— Zim Global Media News 🗞️ an Afrocentric Voice https://www.zimglobalmedia.co.zw ———————————————