Zim to enhance support of vulnerable citizens

Ivan Zhakata, Herald Correspondent

Government, in collaboration with international partners, has officially launched the Social Protection System Strengthening Programme, an initiative aimed at enhancing support for vulnerable citizens across the country.

The event, held in Harare yesterday, brought together Government officials, development partners and stakeholders committed to enhancing social welfare interventions.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to fortifying social protection structures as Zimbabwe moves “Towards a Prosperous and Empowered Upper Middle-Income Society by 2030.”

“As you are all aware, social protection is a key priority in this country,” Minister Moyo said.

“The Government of Zimbabwe, under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, is committed to investing in social protection to support vulnerable citizens from ‘womb to tomb’.”

He said collaborative efforts were important and urged donors and development partners to continue supporting the initiative to ensure no community is left behind.

Representing the Swiss Government, Mr Stefano Berti, Head of Cooperation and Deputy Head of Mission for Switzerland commended the Government’s efforts and said there was a need for transparency, efficiency and precision in delivering social protection services.

“In Switzerland, we have a culture of precision—whether in watches, frames, or chocolates. But Minister, I can tell you, you need even more precision to design and implement a social protection system that is transparent, accountable and efficiently targeted at those who need it most,” said Mr Berti.

He said data-driven and shock-responsive systems were key particularly in light of economic challenges and climate-induced crises, such as El Niño-driven droughts.

“A well-structured social protection system provides not just short-term relief, but long-term resilience,” Mr Berti said.

“Investing in social protection means investing in dignity, resilience, and future development.”

UNICEF Country Representative, Ms Etona Ekole reinforced the need for strong social protection measures, particularly for children.

She said social assistance played a key role in breaking the cycle of poverty, improving child well-being and building household resilience.

“At UNICEF, we believe that social protection is more than just financial assistance, it’s a fundamental right that empowers families, builds resilience against economic shocks and fosters an inclusive society where no child is left behind,” she said.

Ms Ekole said there was urgency in protecting funding for child-related programmes, particularly as Zimbabwe transitions from National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) to NDS2.

“As Zimbabwe faces economic downturns and climate shocks, this programme becomes critical in ensuring no community is left behind,” she said.

The launch of the Social Protection System Strengthening Programme marked a major milestone in Zimbabwe’s efforts to create a more inclusive, transparent and resilient social welfare system.

With strong Government leadership and support from international partners such as UNICEF, Switzerland and the World Bank, the initiative promises to transform social protection in Zimbabwe for years to come.

Added Minister Moyo: “Let us position ourselves to be active contributors to the social protection sector so that, as a country, we fight poverty in a sustainable manner.”