Performance contracts a bold declaration of the city’s commitment to accountability and results-Mafume

Dep Harare mayor Councillor Rosemary Murenda who was representing Harare mayor Cllr Jacob Mafume reads his speech at the City of Harare heads of departments and senior managers signing ceremony at Golden Conifer yesterday

Diana Nherera

Harare mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume said the signing of performance contracts is more than a signing ceremony but a bold declaration of a commitment to accountability and results-driven City of Harare.

In a speech read on his behalf at the signing ceremony of performance contracts of heads of departments and senior managers at Golden Conifer on Wednesday, the mayor, who was represented by Deputy mayor Councillor Rosemary Muronda, said from this day forward, the business-as-usual mindset is retired for good.

“As the City of Harare, our job is to provide oversight and ensure policies deliver real, important improvements to the residents’ lives,” he said.

“The new Minimum Service Delivery Standards, guided by Statutory Instruments 170 and 169 of 2026, give us a solid legal and operational benchmark.

“We are now judged by the objective results. This framework also sets up a clear system of rewards and consequences.

“We will celebrate and reward innovation and hard work. Non-performance will not be ignored, it will face swift transparency action.”

Cllr Mafume said the development of performance contracts for committee chairpersons, which the country is developing, will strengthen accountability across governance and align the city’s structures with the same high standards.

He said residents do not care about the city’s internal processes.

“They demand results. They want reliable, safe water to drink, clear streets free of uncollected rubbish, and effective and efficient systems that value their time and money,” he said.

“Council will keep providing the resources and political background management needed. In return, we expect full accountability and compliance with these standards.”

He said the people of Harare are tired of excuses, ready for sustainable service delivery.

“Today, let’s commit not just with signatures but with fresh resolve to serve, delivering measurable results and a better life for every citizen of Harare.”