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Morris Mpala, MoB Capital Ltd
AS a follow-up article to the accelerated economic growth need that was done last week, I have stated before that this wait-and-see syndrome is just an excuse for those that don’t want to do work or act. We waited for the Cabinet, now it’s out then what are we waiting for? These excuses are detrimental to the economy, we just need to manage risks that come with such events rather than wait and see.
With a deteriorating economic environment characterised by price increases, inflationary pressures, information asymmetry, drought threats, polarised political climate, increasing local and foreign debt, Government’s insolvency, salary costs, difficult, lengthy and costly business environment, legal manoeuvres, cash shortages, soaring parallel markets rates etc, the Cabinet has a simple mandate to bring confidence, trust and economic transformation like never before.
Declaration of assets, devolution of power
With immediate effect the declaration of assets, interests and ownership of business concerns have to be done to avoid conflict of interest and increase transparency. On issues of operational efficiency this model of governance should be implemented by the new team for ease of doing business.
Conducive environment
Let Government, political actors, business at large and the population create a conducive environment for Cabinet ministers to operate in without fear or favour but based on economic principle of sustainability guided by meritocracy. They in turn will create a conducive environment for all to utilise their talents free and fairly to the best of one’s abilities.
Board representation
Not any other board sittings in whatever capacity besides the ministerial post to increase corporate governance. In addition let us cap the time to 10 years for one to serve and vacate any Cabinet posts to increase dynamism and curb corruption somehow.
National service
Would it be bad if we recommended the following; Vehicles: let them buy from their salaries through credit facilities availed to them through their respective banks. Communication: let us have social media updates from the respective Cabinet members.
Remuneration: should go pro-bono for the initial six months so that once they “have killed”, they can then eat. They are responsible for our welfare let them sacrifice, this is not a gravy train.
Other Perks: Let perks and salaries be pegged at reasonable levels with no excesses. Other perks should be in loans or footed from their modest salaries otherwise let them offer a national patriotic service to the people.
An independent central bank
I will expect my ex-boss Professor Mthuli Ncube to set up an independent RBZ that will play financial police to these ministries and Government at large.
Deputy ministers
The time has come to abolish these and save money going forward. We are a small country we can do without them unless if they are willing to do voluntary services work more like internship.
Constitutional amendments
Strategically so as to engage more technocrats it will be wise to just select from across the board foregoing that one has to be a Member of Parliament? While at it, is the Senate necessary? In future further reduction to the magic 10-15 Cabinet numbers is ideal for a country like Zimbabwe with its young population. Merge or discard other ministries.
Resident ministers vs provincial administrators
One of the two has to go, it’s duplication of roles and waste of resources. We can’t afford it. By the same token mayors vs town clerks is kind of tautology.
Monthly appraisal
Effect performance appraisal on a monthly basis with six months probation period without pay, of course. They have to justify their existence. Let’s assume these Cabinet ministers are Grade 7 pupils and every month we gauge their performance by either making them proceed to Form 1, repeat Grade 7 or drop them off from school and let them try other avenues of acquiring knowledge or skill depending on how they will have fared on a scale of 1-10 (1 being under performance). 0-4 discontinue, 5-6 repeat, 7-9 proceed, 10 go to lower 6 (give them another ministry).
Let’s play the weakest link with the current ministers going forward.
Accountability and responsibility
It’s about these two and systems have to be enacted that make Cabinet ministers accountable to best practices and international standards.
It’s about integrity. Please allow me not to congratulate their appointments but will congratulate great performance on a monthly basis going forward. Best of luck to these Government employees. God give them wisdom and God bless Zimbabwe!!
IF YOU LIVE IN BULAWAYO PLEASE CONSERVE WATER IF YOU LIVE IN ZIMBABWE PLEASE USE ELECTRICITY SPARINGLY SWITCH OFF SWITCHES (SOS). IF YOU LIVE ON PLANET EARTH PLEASE PRESERVE THE ENVIRONMENT
*Morris Mpala is the managing director for MoB Capital Limited, a Bulawayo-headquartered micro-finance institution with footprint across the country.
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