\n<\/p>\n
\u201cPerformance Contracts Will Not Fix Decades of Corruption\u201d \u2013 Critics Slam Mnangagwa<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Tinashe Sambiri\u2013 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Authorities argue that the contracts will help ensure government departments deliver services and achieve economic results.<\/p>\n
In a statement, the government said the programme forms part of broader efforts to drive national development.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnder 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,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo 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,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n
Despite the government\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cPerformance 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,\u201d the official said.<\/p>\n
Another observer dismissed the ceremony as political theatre.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese 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\u2014better roads, health services and jobs\u2014not speeches,\u201d the observer said.<\/p>\n
Citizens have also expressed skepticism about whether the programme will translate into tangible improvements.<\/p>\n
\u201cAccountability in Zimbabwe is a joke. Ministers promise results every year, but poverty, unemployment and inflation persist. Signing contracts won\u2019t suddenly fix decades of mismanagement,\u201d said one resident who requested anonymity.<\/p>\n
Opposition voices and political analysts argue the initiative may create the appearance of progress without addressing systemic problems within government.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs long as the system protects insiders and shields poor performers, these contracts are meaningless. Zimbabweans are tired of promises without delivery,\u201d said one political analyst.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, supporters of the programme have celebrated the recognition of top-performing ministers during the ceremony.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cHearty 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,\u201d Mukungunugwa said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis remarkable achievement reflects visionary leadership, dedication and outstanding service in driving the growth and transformation of Zimbabwe\u2019s tourism and hospitality industry.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other ministers recognised in the performance rankings included Anxious Masuka, who finished second, and Ziyambi Ziyambi, who came third.<\/p>\n
In the provincial category, Owen Ncube was commended after Midlands Province secured third place among Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution.<\/p>\n
Top-performing deputy ministers were also announced, with Vangelis Haritatos taking first place, followed by Joshua Sacco and Norbert Mazungunye.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t<\/p>\n
<\/p><\/div>\n
\n