ZIMBABWE representatives in foreign countries yesterday signed performance-based contracts, as the government pursues economic diplomacy to drive its development agenda of attaining an Upper Middle Income Economy by 2030.
Ministers and permanent secretaries, chief executive officers of parastatals and local authorities, chief directors and directors have also signed performance contracts as part of the Second Republic’s result-based approach to service delivery.
Officiating at the signing ceremony, Foreign Affairs and International Trade minister Frederick Shava said the government was prioritising a result-driven approach in conducting its business, hence the performance-based contracts.
“The institutionalisation of a culture of high performance in government, underpinned by performance contracts, among other mechanisms, is predicated on the policy pronouncements made by His Excellency the President, ED Mnangagwa, on the need to have a public sector that is staffed with competent, hardworking and committed cadres, who pride themselves in delivery of quality and timely services,” he said.
“Let me emphasise that through the National Development Strategy 1, the Government has made relentless efforts to re-integrate Zimbabwe into the Global Community of Nations, through its Affirmation, Engagement and Re-engagement thrust, with a view to address the negative perceptions about the country and make it a reputable destination for international investment and tourists.
“The ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade plays a critical role in this regard. We should, therefore, pull up our sleeves and have an appetite for achieving big and impactful results. The onus is upon us to establish that hallmark of performance.”
Shava said some of the targeted results included increasing global visibility, building strong alliances at both bilateral and multilateral levels, boosting attractiveness by building a positive image to the outside world, as well as strengthening capacity building and resource utilisation.
“The multi-pronged Foreign Policy thrust of the Second Republic revolves around engaging those countries we have had erstwhile relations with over matters of principle, consolidating old friendships and opening new economic frontiers for mutual beneficial co-operation. It therefore, lies upon us to ensure that these pillars are attained to produce impactful results,” he said.
“As representatives of His Excellency the President in your countries of accreditation, succeeding or failing to produce results will not only reflect on the ministry, but also on yourselves and Senior Management at Head Office. Let us all strive to leave an indelible ink of a legacy of high performance, which will be cherished by the next generation.”
He said because Zimbabwe has a large Diaspora community spread across the globe, the representatives were also expected to facilitate its participation in the country’s socio-economic development agenda. The ambassadors are currently in the country after attending a retreat and strategic workshop in Bulawayo between October 30 and November 4 this year. — New Ziana
