Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
THE Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare has been challenged to accelerate service delivery, tighten accountability systems, and ensure Government programmes produce tangible benefits for citizens.
The call came during the ministry’s 2026 First Quarter Review Meeting in Mutare this week, where senior Government officials demanded urgency, innovation, and stronger implementation of public programmes.
Officials warned that the ministry must move beyond routine planning and deliver measurable outcomes.
The push comes as Zimbabwe advances towards Vision 2030, with Government insisting that ministries must produce results that directly improve people’s lives.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Deputy Minister, Honourable Mercy Dinha, told the meeting that the ministry must focus on outcomes that change lives, not paperwork.
She cautioned that the country is entering a decisive phase in the national development agenda, where citizens will judge Government on delivery rather than promises.
Deputy Minister Dinha stressed that weak implementation and poor monitoring were undermining progress.
She called for tighter systems to track results, plug leakages, and restore public confidence in service delivery.
“Time is not on our side. We must remain 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. The responsibility entrusted to us is immense, and the expectations of our citizens are even greater. With unity of purpose and renewed focus, I am confident that we will achieve our targets and contribute meaningfully to national development,” said Deputy Minister Dinha, adding that the ministry’s programmes touch directly on the welfare of workers, vulnerable citizens and the efficiency of the public service, making improved delivery essential in achieving Vision 2030 goals and aspirations.
Deputy Minister Dinha challenged officials to turn setbacks into motivation as the ministry enters the second quarter of 2026, acknowledging that the year started slowly due to budgetary constraints, but commended departments for continuing to implement programmes under difficult circumstances.
“Let the challenges and shortcomings we encountered not serve as discouragement, but as powerful motivation to strive for greater excellence. Notwithstanding the slow start to the year in terms of budgetary support, I am encouraged by the efforts made across departments in implementing the ministry’s programmes and projects,” said Deputy Minister Dinha, insisting that review meetings must be used to assess progress honestly and identify solutions rather than shift blame.
“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. 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 Deputy Minister Dinha, further calling for stronger accountability, improved service delivery and faster implementation of programmes meant to uplift citizens.
She said the review meeting marked the ministry’s first major gathering since the validation and endorsement of its new strategic plan.
She said the plan must remain the guiding framework for all departments, adding that success in the coming quarters will depend on innovation, discipline and unity of purpose.
“This workshop provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the progress we have made, reflect honestly on the challenges we have faced, and renew our collective determination to achieve the ambitious targets we have set for ourselves. The responsibility entrusted to us is immense, and the expectations of our citizens are even greater. With renewed focus and commitment, we can reposition the ministry for higher performance, productivity and timely service delivery,” she said, highlighting that the ministry plays a critical role in labour relations, social protection and administration of the public service, making its efficiency central to broader national development goals.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, emphasised the need for stronger execution and accountability across Government institutions.
Advocate Mugadza said ministries should continue embracing transparency, accountability and results-based management.
“Government ministries, departments and agencies must work together under a whole-of-government approach in pursuit of national development. As you review your first quarter performance, let us remain focused on strengthening coordination, improving resource utilisation, enhancing monitoring and evaluation, and ensuring that implementation gaps are addressed,” said Advocate Mugadza.
He said ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) must work together while maintaining transparency and results-based management.
He said improved coordination and efficient use of available resources are critical if ministries are to meet public expectations.
“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. As you review your first quarter performance, let us remain focused on strengthening coordination, improving resource utilisation, enhancing monitoring and evaluation, and ensuring that implementation gaps are addressed,” said Advocate Mugadza.
He said Government institutions must remain people-centred and responsive to the needs of communities.
