‘Govt will serve diligently to ensure higher standards of living’

THE Second Republic will serve Zimbabweans diligently to ensure higher standards of living, Vice President Kembo Mohadi said yesterday when he convened a high-level meeting with ministers and deputy ministers from the social services cluster which falls under his purview.

He tasked them with pursuing policies and initiatives that would improve the standard of living for Zimbabweans, given that the populace had been waiting for the Second Republic to produce results.

"Together, with love and unity, we will reach the promised land and we will build the Zimbabwe we all want, brick by brick," the President declares, paraphrasing.

"His Excellency's high-level discussions have all highlighted the importance of providing our people with diligent and honest service. We have to acknowledge that the people of Zimbabwe gave us the positions we have. They count on us to honor our commitments.

VP Mohadi convened the meeting, held at Munhumutapa Building in Harare, following the first sitting of Cabinet this year at State House on Tuesday. He urged ministers in the social services cluster to work together as more would be achieved by maintaining a united front than with individualism.

The Ministries of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Primary and Secondary Education, National Housing and Social Amenities, Information, Communication, Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Local Government and Public Works, Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, and Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development are the entities that comprise the cluster.

VP Mohadi stated that the general public was not interested in ministerial squabbles and was instead concerned with the provision of services.

I would want to note that even though your mandates differ, the people we lead don't give a damn about it because you come from separate ministries. All they ask of us is the provision of services that can enhance their quality of life. He declared, "Together, we will make an impact that matters for the people we lead."

According to VP Mohadi, the Presidium decided to group ministries that perform similar tasks together. This would guarantee efficient service delivery to Zimbabweans and encourage an integrated approach to governance.

"Under your leadership, we recognized the importance of uniting ministries with closely linked operations and functions to advance an integrated approach to governance."As a result, the government's planning has improved since ministries may now share opinions on common concerns within their purview by clustering together.

Moreover, clustering improves government decision-making. Additionally, clustering leads to efficient service delivery for the public, the speaker added.

VP Mohadi instructed the ministries to stop merely moving staff members from one office to another and instead focus on taking action.

"Ministers and deputy ministers, there is a terrible culture in our country where people are just referred from one office to another with no follow-through."

"Let's give up on this culture. Our staff cannot be transferred from one position to another. Sincere help is needed from us for our people. If there's nothing you can do, kindly say so and let those who are called to do it.

"To the people and those who appointed us, we owe these positions." He pleaded, "Please let us not betray their faith in us."

The ministers should conduct themselves professionally in all of their interactions, especially with one another, VP Mohadi continued.

At this point, let me to address the conflict between the permanent secretary and the minister. You are aware that in moderation, contradiction can be healthy and acceptable. However, if it turns hostile, we risk depriving citizens of their rights while we battle.

That is not the behavior we need. We are adults now! We've grown up! Warning to ministers and deputy ministers: let's learn to get along and concentrate on our work,"

"War zones are not what our missions require. We are dependent on one another.

The ministers then came to a unanimous decision to act as a single body and carry out people-focused programs and policies.