Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Senior Reporter
CHIEF Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya has urged newly appointed Government officials to uphold the core values of governance, calling for humility, loyalty, patriotism, integrity, commitment and professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Speaking at an induction briefing for new senior Government officials in Harare yesterday, Dr Rushwaya welcomed the Minister of Lands and Rural Development, Vangelis Haritatos, his deputy, Tsitsi Zhou, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Professor Prosper Matondi, and Secretary for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Shingirayi Mushamba.
Dr Rushwaya said the briefing was meant to guide the officials on how to consistently deliver on the mandates entrusted to them by the public.
“In carrying out your duties, Honourable Minister and Deputy Minister and Secretaries, it is incumbent upon you to consistently exhibit the core values of humility, loyalty, patriotism, integrity, commitment and professionalism which guided the liberation struggle,” he said. “Please note that these are the same principles that His Excellency the President has become the epitome of, as he espouses servant leadership in governance. Accordingly, as we proceed to discharge our mandates, let us always be mindful of the need to exhibit servant leadership, ensure prompt responsiveness to citizens and desist from all forms of corrupt tendencies.” Dr Rushwaya added that Government officials should be more sensitive to the need to prioritise issues of national development rather than the pursuit of narrow personal interests.
“We have to provide exemplary leadership to those under our watch by maintaining disciplined focus on our core mandates rather than engaging in activities that are remotely related to our key result areas,” he said.
The Chief Secretary also rallied public officials to be mindful of their responsibility to deliver on their mandate in line with the trust bestowed upon the ruling ZANU PF party by voters in the 2023 elections.
Addressing Minister Haritatos and his team, Dr Rushwaya said their portfolios play a key role in Government’s quest to attain Vision 2030 of a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society.
“Your contribution to all set programmes will be critical in this pursuit. You are joining Government at a critical time when the implementation of the National Development Strategy 2, running from 2026 to 2030, has just commenced.
“A lot is, therefore, expected from you and you should help tighten all processes with a view to delivering quality services to the electorate and the rest of the citizenry,” he said.
Dr Rushwaya added that the officials were assuming office when the implementation of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) had just begun.
“As you are no doubt aware, the NDS2 Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, which is the basis for the compilation of the quarterly and mid-year reviews, should facilitate the implementation of Government policies, programmes and projects.
“Let me emphasise once again that, in light of NDS2, your work is well cut out for you. The Office of the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet stands ready to provide the necessary support in the discharge of your duties,” said Dr Rushwaya.
In his remarks, Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairperson Dr Vincent Hungwe said NDS2 highlights the need for public sector transformation, requiring a shift from bureaucratic inertia to a more agile and revitalised public service.
“The Public Service Commission is leading this change across ministries, aiming to transform Government entities into market-facing, business-friendly organisations,” said Dr Hungwe.
“This transformation requires a client-oriented service culture focused on achieving common goals. By conducting an annual client satisfaction survey, the Commission foregrounds the principle that service delivery is a citizen-centric endeavour.
“The PSC stands ready to energise the public sector, driving leadership and policy-driven agility that aligns with the National Vision. With strong stewardship, we are confident that the future is bright for each mandate, and we will carry out this responsibility with dedication and confidence.”
