Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare has been called upon to interweave decentralisation and devolution into its five-year strategic plan process.
In her welcome remarks today, the Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, in a speech read on her behalf by the deputy director in her office Mr Faison Antonio said the need to interweave decentralisation and devolution is upon the realisation that Sub-National levels are critical both for planning and implementation.
“The integration of decentralization and devolution into your planning and implementation processes ensures clearer identification and understanding of needs and problems of the grassroot, leveraging local strengths, development of practical solutions and unlocking local opportunities,” said Minister Ncube.
She said such an approach actualizes the national development philosophy as enunciated by the national philosophy, “ilizwe Jakhiwa ngabanikazi balo, Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”.
Minister Ncube commended the Ministry for its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of the most vulnerable citizens, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those affected by drug and substance abuse among others.
She expressed hope that practical solutions for dealing with the drug and substance abuse scourge that is ravaging the nation will come out of the gathering.
“Furthermore, it is my hope that more robust interventions will come out of this meeting to improve access to inclusive rights-based and sustainable social protection for vulnerable groups. Let me acknowledge the tremendous work that your Ministry is doing to enhance decent work in this country. I would like to applaud you for the industrial peace and harmony that is currently prevailing in the labour market,” said Minister Ncube.
She said as the Ministry plans for the next five years it will strengthen strategies and interventions to enhance harmonious industrial relations, which is a very important ingredient for productivity, production and economic growth.
“The strategic planning process is a very critical exercise for creating a roadmap for your Ministry for the next five years and aligning with the new national blueprint, NDS2. As we transition into NDS2, it is my hope that you will strengthen institutionalization of the Devolution and Decentralization Policy to ensure that as we march towards vision 2030, no one and no place is left behind,” said Minister Ncube.
