“Performance Contracts Will Not Fix Decades of Corruption” – Critics Slam Mnangagwa – Eduzim News

Tinashe Sambiri– Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday presided over the signing of performance contracts and the evaluation of Cabinet ministers and senior public officials during a ceremony held in Harare.

Government officials say the initiative is meant to improve accountability and efficiency within the public sector by setting measurable targets for ministers and senior officials.

Authorities argue that the contracts will help ensure government departments deliver services and achieve economic results.

In a statement, the government said the programme forms part of broader efforts to drive national development.

“Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency the President, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe is making steady progress towards becoming a prosperous and empowered upper middle income society by 2030,” the statement read.

Officials say the initiative is being implemented under the National Development Strategy 2, building on progress recorded during National Development Strategy 1 in sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism and banking.

The programme is also aligned with broader development frameworks including Southern African Development Community Vision 2050, African Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“To keep this momentum going, accountability remains the key factor. Under NDS2, the Government continues to use Performance Contracts to monitor, measure and evaluate thousands of projects across all sectors of the economy,” the statement said.

Despite the government’s optimism, critics remain unconvinced that the performance contracts will lead to meaningful change.
One senior civil servant, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the initiative risks becoming another bureaucratic exercise without real impact.

“Performance contracts are just paperwork. People sign them, and nothing changes. Corruption, inefficiency and favoritism remain rampant. Measuring projects on paper does not make them happen in reality,” the official said.

Another observer dismissed the ceremony as political theatre.

“These ceremonies are a publicity stunt. Awards are handed to those who play politics well, not necessarily to those who deliver services. The public is still waiting for real results—better roads, health services and jobs—not speeches,” the observer said.

Citizens have also expressed skepticism about whether the programme will translate into tangible improvements.

“Accountability in Zimbabwe is a joke. Ministers promise results every year, but poverty, unemployment and inflation persist. Signing contracts won’t suddenly fix decades of mismanagement,” said one resident who requested anonymity.

Opposition voices and political analysts argue the initiative may create the appearance of progress without addressing systemic problems within government.

“As long as the system protects insiders and shields poor performers, these contracts are meaningless. Zimbabweans are tired of promises without delivery,” said one political analyst.

Meanwhile, supporters of the programme have celebrated the recognition of top-performing ministers during the ceremony.

Zanu PF online activist Cleopas Mukungunugwa congratulated Barbara Rwodzi after she was named the overall best performing Cabinet minister for 2025 at the awards ceremony.

“Hearty congratulations to our Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon Barbara Rwodzi, for being recognised as the Overall Best Performing Cabinet Minister of 2025 at the Performance Contracts Signing and Awards Ceremony 2026,” Mukungunugwa said.

“This remarkable achievement reflects visionary leadership, dedication and outstanding service in driving the growth and transformation of Zimbabwe’s tourism and hospitality industry.”

Other ministers recognised in the performance rankings included Anxious Masuka, who finished second, and Ziyambi Ziyambi, who came third.

In the provincial category, Owen Ncube was commended after Midlands Province secured third place among Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution.

Top-performing deputy ministers were also announced, with Vangelis Haritatos taking first place, followed by Joshua Sacco and Norbert Mazungunye.

While the government insists performance contracts will strengthen accountability in the public sector, critics maintain that only visible improvements in service delivery and the economy will convince Zimbabweans that the initiative is making a real difference.

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