‘Bureaucratic lethargy that frustrates progress will not be accepted’

UNWARRANTED rigidity, inflated individualities and bureaucratic lethargy of Cabinet ministers or departments that frustrate developmental progress will not be tolerated under the Second Republic, President Mnangagwa has said.

In his remarks at the first Cabinet meeting of the year at Munhumutapa Building in Harare yesterday, the President said accountable governance was an urgent imperative as the country implemented National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).

The comprehensive framework aims to propel Zimbabwe towards realising its development aspirations espoused in Vision 2030.

“Today’s (yesterday) meeting signifies the beginning of yet another pivotal stage in our nation’s development journey under the new phase of the National Development Strategy 2.

“We must all focus on achieving a single national Vision and realisation of the objectives outlined in NDS2.

“I will not accept unwarranted rigidity, inflated individualities and mis-alignment or bureaucratic lethargy that frustrates progress, from yourselves individually, or the ministries, departments and agencies over which you superintend.

“We are answerable to the people of our great motherland, Zimbabwe, and accountable governance must be encouraged going forward,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said failure to make decisions and the culture of “sitting on documents” would not be condoned.

Zimbabweans, he added, were looking to Government to facilitate investments across all sectors as well as to help deliver services and a higher quality of life.

“Once again, I challenge members of Cabinet to take this onerous responsibility with the seriousness, diligence and vigour, worthy of these roles within the Executive.

“Collectively, as the Zanu-PF Government, let us increase the pace at which we implement our programmes and projects,” said President Mnangagwa.

He reiterated that attendance of Cabinet and Cabinet Committee meetings is mandatory, adding that complacency and absenteeism will be unacceptable.

To ensure operational efficiencies, ministers were directed to delegate well-briefed deputy ministers to represent them at the various Cabinet Committee and related meetings, in their absence.

“Additionally, ministries, departments and agencies are duty-bound to submit to the Chief Secretary’s Office timely schedules of key projects and programmes that may require me to officiate,” said the President.

President Mnangagwa then warned ministers to refrain from inviting him to preside over routine ministry business, calling on them to invite him to officiate at key projects and programmes of national importance.

“Members should not expect me, as President to do their work for them,” he said.

“Sporadic or ad-hoc requests and invitations concerning commissioning events and other related functions will not be accommodated.”

President Mnangagwa implored the media industry to continue upholding the values of responsible journalism, Hunhu/Ubuntu, and place national interest at the centre of their coverage.

“The invaluable role you continue to play in information dissemination remains critical towards nation building, socio-economic transformation, entrenching our national peace, unity and social cohesion.

“As the Post-Cabinet Press Briefings resume in their usual manner, I urge you, our media practitioners, to continue the excellent work that characterised your operations in 2025 and make 2026 another success story for our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe,” said President Mnangagwa.

He commended Cabinet members who were available during the break to respond to the call of duty as and when the situation demanded.

Also in attendance at the Cabinet sitting were Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi.