By Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe’s Cabinet held its first meeting of 2022 today at Munhumutapa Building in the capital, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa giving the keynote address which touched on many aspects.
President Mnangagwa said many successes were scored during the past four years of the Second Republic, as it seeks to improve the plight of the people of Zimbabwe.
“Against the backdrop of the signing of Performance Contracts last week; let us increase our work rate towards being a more successful Government. Individually and collectively we have a sacred obligation to press on for more, and better results.
“Patriotism and loyalty to our National Vision; unflinching commitment and dedication to serving the people of our country; thoroughness in the execution of tasks, among other attributes is what will propel high impact results. We must speak in unison and work with greater synergy. We are only as strong as the weakest link among us. As such, due attention must be given not only to our strengths but also to our weaknesses over and above the weaker Ministries, Departments and Agencies,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said even though the 2021/2022 summer cropping season had a slow start, there are now enhanced prospects for an overall good season, which will further consolidate national food security, according to a report from the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
“The economy has been projected to grow by around 7.4% this year, driven mainly by buoyant performance of the mines and minerals sector,” said President Mnangagwa.
He added: “This comes against the backdrop of an expected rebound of the global economy, as recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues. On our part, we are fully geared to curtail the negative impacts of the scourge. The country’s vaccine stocks are sufficient to achieve herd immunity. Our message to the people remains focused on vaccination as the first line of defence, given the mutating nature of the virus.”
“Meanwhile, it is my firm hope that in 2022, this Cabinet will develop and implement more innovative and multi-pronged strategies to drive economic growth towards the achievement of the targets outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 and beyond.”
He said the need for Government to attain all set targets cannot be over emphasized and this should be spurred by heightened attention to detail and implementation of strategies as captured in the performance contracts signed last week on the 10th of February 2022.
“The quarterly reports under NDS1 will form a critical part of an agenda to ensure that we track our progress in that regard. It is my firm belief that, coupled with the continuous improvement in the conditions of service for our staff; Vision 2030 is attainable. Cabinet’s workflow should be more predictable so that we focus more on implementation of policies and programmes. You are all required to ensure that your proposals are submitted in time to enable Cabinet to deliberate on the matters more robustly,” he added.
