Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira
Senior Reporter
THE Government will unveil a cocktail of measures in the public sector that will result in timely and professional service delivery consistent with people and market needs as the country moves towards the attainment of an upper middle-income economy, President Mnangagwa has said.
He said his administration will ensure there is optimum service delivery by loyal and devoted civil servants ready to provide impactful results.
The President said this yesterday while delivering the keynote address during the 46th main Independence Day celebrations held at Maphisa Stadium in Matabeleland South province.
“Our vision to attain an upper middle-income society is now five years away. It is, therefore, urgent and critically important that our people be serviced by public sector officials who are devoted, patriotic, loyal, professional and agile for impactful results and the speedy implementation of people-centred projects,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Government is strengthening the Integrated Results-Based Management System, underpinned by performance contracting. The cocktail of reform measures will result in timely service delivery within Government institutions in line with people and market needs.”
He said an elaborate remuneration framework for civil servants was now in place, while a comprehensive retirement planning programme had been introduced.
“A comprehensive remuneration framework for civil servants is now in place, while an all-inclusive retirement planning programme was introduced. This will adequately prepare public sector workers for dignified retirement. With regards the broader labour market concerns, the recently adopted National Formalisation Strategy should promote decent work, strengthen labour law compliance and enhance the protection of workers operating outside the formal economic system,” he said.
Zimbabwe, he said, continues to deepen diplomatic engagement and re-engagement guided by its philosophy as a friend to all and an enemy to none.
The President said Harare’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council was going on well.
“On the international relations domain, Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none. Our country is deepening and broadening relations with other jurisdictions across Africa, Asia, Middle East, Europe and the Americas, as well as the recent addition of the Caribbean and Pacific Island states,” said President Mnangagwa.
“In October 2026, Zimbabwe will be honoured to host the COMESA Summit and assume the chairmanship of that august regional organisation. I am confident that Zimbabweans will display the usual exceptional hospitality. Engagements are progressing well in our campaign for election for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027 to 2028 term.”
Tribute to Matabeleland South province
President Mnangagwa reminisced about the role played by Matabeleland South province in the fight for independence during the liberation struggle.
“The landscapes of Matabeleland South, mission halls and many schools tell of a rich past. They continue to be symbols of unity, pronouncing to present and future generations the enduring truth that the struggle for independence was executed by all Zimbabweans, who transcended ethnic and regional lines. Their courage, resilience and fortitude saw us realise the independence, freedom and democracy we enjoy today,” he said.
The province, said President Mnangagwa, gave birth to many distinguished sons and daughters of the soil, who dedicated their lives to the liberation and independence of Zimbabwe.
“The towering Father Zimbabwe, uMdala Wethu, Chibwe Chitedza, the late Vice President, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo, and uMama Mafuyana; together with other late national heroes such as Comrades Alfred Nikita Mangena, Lookout Masuku, George ‘TG’ Silundika, Steven Jeqe Nkomo and Simon Khaya Moyo, among many others, hailed from this province,” he said.
“Today, we own and produce from the land they fought to reclaim after nearly a century of colonial subjugation. We salute all our veterans of the liberation struggle for their heroic acts, bravery, courage and commitment to the birth of a liberated and united nation, singing one national anthem, under one national flag.”
He outlined several development initiatives in agriculture, mining, health and road infrastructure, among others, that have improved the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans.
“The economy has registered commendable growth anchored in a stable macro-economic environment. Foreign currency reserves now stand at more than US$1,2 billion on the strength of a favourable gold sector. Following a raft of reforms, our country achieved a single-digit annual inflation rate of 4,1 percent in January 2026, thereby anchoring long-term stability of our ZiG currency,” he said.
The various measures to ease the doing of business, where several fees, taxes and permits were reviewed, he added, are expected to stimulate investment.
“With regards the ease of doing business and enhancing Zimbabwe as a favourable investment destination, the review of taxes, fees and levies has been effected across critical sectors of the economy. I commend our banking sector for reverting back to their core business. However, more must be done to ensure full financial inclusivity.”
President Mnangagwa also said the independence celebrations were being held at a time when the country registered a successful agricultural season.
“The 2024/2025 summer season produced 2,4 million tonnes of maize and close to 635 000 tonnes of traditional grains, exceeding the national annual grain requirement.
“Similarly, the 2025 winter wheat harvest surpassed 640 000 tonnes, against a national requirement of 550 000 tonnes. This achievement underscores the impact of the wheat-based food security strategy. The Strategic Grain Reserve continues to guarantee the country’s national food security and sovereignty. Modern artificial intelligence-enabled grain silos are under construction in Bindura, Gokwe, Guruve, Kwekwe, Lupane, Macheke, Marondera, Masvingo, Mhangura, Mutare, Mvurwi, Plumtree, Raffingora and Rutenga.”
President Mnangagwa said since the advent of the Second Republic, the mining sector has realised exceptional growth and is projected to grow by 6,3 percent this year.
“Government resolved to unlock the full potential of Zimbabwe’s rich mineral endowment for the benefit of all citizens,” he added.
“Measures, which include the controlled export of raw minerals, will now see increased local value addition and beneficiation.”
The Government, he added, had embarked on road construction, routine rehabilitation and maintenance following flooding and the associated destruction of the road network.
“In view of the dire state of bridges throughout the country, a specialised unit will be set up to specifically attend to bridges,” he said.
The Government is also accelerating the absorption of graduates of the National Youth Service into the public sector.
“Technical as well as vocational education and skills training are being scaled up as a critical pathway for youth empowerment and development. To this end, the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Vocational Training and youth service training centres are being constructed at Nyongolo village, here in Matobo district,” he said.
Further, President Mnangagwa said drug and substance abuse requires the participation of all stakeholders to fight it.
“I appeal to communities and families to support current rehabilitation and integration efforts, including education and awareness programmes for the affected young people,” he said.
Turning to the health sector, President Mnangagwa said his administration was committed to the establishment of modern, well-stocked health facilities throughout the country.
“Here in Matobo district, the refurbishment of Maphisa District Hospital, Kezi Rural Hospital and procurement of diagnostic machines are set to improve access to quality health care services for surrounding communities. Further, Government continues to prioritise the delivery of specialised medical services. We are developing a stronger health workforce through the recruitment, training and retention of skilled personnel.”
Responsible use of social media
On the media, President Mnangagwa said the widening of broadcasting services is an important pillar for keeping citizens informed, educated and entertained.
He welcomed the commissioning of a National FM transmitter and the licensing of community and campus radio stations, including Bayethe FM covering Maphisa and surrounding areas.
The move, he said, would assure the public of timely, accurate and locally relevant information.
“Significant strides are being made towards ensuring that our 46 years of independence are aligned with technological advancements. Robust and forward-looking innovation and industrial ecosystems are evident across the country.”
The President warned against the recording and sharing of footage from road traffic accidents, saying his administration will not tolerate such practices that are against the values of Ubuntu.
He assured Zimbabweans that his administration would shield them from the negative impacts of modern technology while continuing to embrace innovation.
“I note with grave concern the increasing abuse of social media by some unscrupulous persons and groups.
“The recording of road traffic accidents and the subsequent distribution of such material is totally unacceptable, inhumane and against the values of Ubuntu. My administration will, without apology, protect our citizens, especially children, as well as our culture, beliefs and way of life from the hazards of media and new technologies,” he said.
During yesterday’s event, the crowd was treated to several entertainment activities that included military drills, displays by the Zimbabwe Republic Police and drum majorettes, and a performance by the Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Service depicting the life, trials and tribulations that Father Zimbabwe Dr Joshua Nkomo went through in his fight for liberation.
The event was attended by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, the two Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Dr Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet ministers, Chief Justice Luke Malaba, service chiefs, diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe, legislators drawn from across the political divide, among others.
The celebrations were held under the theme “Zimbabwe@ 46: Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030.”
