Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
The Government has challenged the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to accelerate the implementation of key programmes and improve service delivery as Zimbabwe inches closer to attaining Vision 2030 goals.
Speaking during the official opening of the ministry’s 2026 First Quarter Review Meeting in Mutare, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Mercy Dinha said the time for slow progress was over, urging officials to focus on results that directly improve lives.
“Time is not on our side. We must remain ever conscious that as a nation, we are now in the final stretch towards Vision 2030. Let us therefore embrace a mindset of acceleration, innovation and resourcefulness to ensure that our quarterly targets are not only achieved, but surpassed,” said Dep Minister Dinha.
The review meeting brought together ministry officials to assess first-quarter performance, measure progress against strategic targets and identify challenges affecting implementation.
Its objectives were to reflect on the first quarter of the ministry’s performance against set targets, to identify gaps, challenges and lessons learnt on implementation, and to map the way forward and strategies for improvement in the second quarter.
Dep Minister Dinha said the review meeting was expected to produce resolutions aimed at improving productivity, strengthening accountability systems and ensuring the timely delivery of services across the country.
She also said the workshop was not meant to assign blame, but to honestly evaluate progress and reposition the ministry for higher performance.
“This is not a fault-finding meeting. It is a vital opportunity for us to reflect, refocus and recommit our energies towards the realisation of our strategic objectives,” she said, acknowledging that the ministry had experienced a slow start to the year due to budgetary constraints, but said departments had still made commendable efforts in executing programmes and projects.
“Only through honest assessment and decisive action can we strengthen service delivery, accelerate progress and ensure that our collective efforts translate into meaningful results for the citizens we serve,” said Dep Minister Dinha, challenging participants to use the workshop to generate practical solutions that improve performance.
“I urge all participants to use this platform to share insights, lessons learnt and innovative solutions to enhance our collective performance. The responsibility entrusted to us is immense, and the expectations of our citizens are even greater.”
She said Government institutions must adapt to changing economic and social realities if they are to meet the needs of citizens.
“As we move forward, we must fully embrace the dynamism and complexity of our operating environment and continuously reconfigure and strategically position ourselves to attain the results we desire,” she said.
The Deputy Minister said the ministry plays a key role in public service administration, labour relations, social protection and support for vulnerable communities. Analysts say improved efficiency within the ministry is critical to broader national development targets.
Giving his welcome remarks, Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Misheck Mugadza, said review meetings were critical in ensuring ministries remained accountable and responsive to citizens.
“This important gathering provides an opportunity to reflect on the performance of the ministry against the targets set out in your strategic plan and to assess progress being made in delivering on your mandate to the people of Zimbabwe,” said Minister Mugadza.
He urged ministries, departments and agencies to uphold transparency and results-based management while working together in pursuit of national development.
“We must strengthen coordination, improve resource utilisation, enhance monitoring and evaluation, and ensure that implementation gaps are addressed,” he said.
Minister Mugadza said the ministry’s programmes remained central to protecting workers, supporting vulnerable groups and promoting social welfare.
He commended ministry officials and the Public Service Commission for professionalism and teamwork, saying their conduct reflected a people-centred institution.
