President shares vision for future govts at World Summit
STRATEGIC foresight and robust systems are integral to economic growth and sustainable development in a rapidly changing economic environment, President Mnangagwa told global thought leaders here during a keynote address to the World Governments Summit yesterday.
He was addressing a government experience exchange forum titled: “How the governments of today can prepare themselves to confidently face the dynamic highs and lows of today’s ever-changing world”. President Mnangagwa used the Zimbabwean experience to illustrate how people-centred policies can improve the standard of living and turn around the economy.
The summit seeks to facilitate sharing experiences in governance and the President was invited to discuss how he envisions government ecosystems of the future.
He outlined some of the people-centred policies his Government has implemented under the Second Republic which include the devolution and decentralisation agenda, modernisation of the agricultural sector, construction and maintenance of modernised infrastructure, accessible and affordable health delivery and transport, and engagement and re-engagement with all nations.
“In Zimbabwe, we have Vision 2030 towards a prosperous and upper middle-income society as the blueprint that provides a robust anchor to promote economic growth and sustainable development. At continental level, the African Union is guided by the Africa Agenda 2063. Indeed, the rapid growth of global economies depends on the ability to harness and optimally use diverse comparative advantages.
“This is more important now that global economies are rapidly opening up for intra-regional and continental trade and competitiveness pushed by modernisation, especially the use of information communication technologies, among other aspects.
“To this end, African countries have collectively mobilised themselves around the African Continental Free Trade Area, whose strategic foresight is recreating a continent with free movement of goods and people across countries.
“All these strategies are being formulated to shape the future of governments towards building competitive, modernised and resilient economies that are able to fulfil the aspirations of our peoples,” the President said.
President Mnangagwa was, however, quick to warn delegates that robust policies and systems alone can never be a recipe for success as these are manned by government officials who must be agile and have the welfare of citizens at heart. Government officials needed constant appraisal and assessment to avoid sloppiness.
“It is, therefore, clear that shaping the future of Governments requires strategic foresight, underpinned by robust policies, systems and processes that are able to manage for big, sustainable and impactful results. However, robust policies, systems and processes are merely the means to an end. We have to ensure that the bureaucrats who man the government machinery are market-facing and citizen-centric.
“In order to shape the future of governments, we need to also develop systems of measuring and tracking performance at both institutional and personnel levels. Further, to re-position and re-purpose ourselves for future development, it is critically important to foster agility, innovation, guided by programmes and clear frameworks.
“In Zimbabwe, our programming is underpinned by the integrated results-based management system as a policy imperative, so that we do not track and measure motion but measure impactful results,” the President explained.
The Government of Zimbabwe introduced performance-based contracts in 2021 for Cabinet ministers, permanent secretaries, chief executive officers of parastatals
and local authorities, vice chancellors for State universities and other senior public officials.
In line with the sharing of experiences, Zimbabwe and UAE have a cooperation framework for transformation of the public sector which the President took time to explain.
“Riding on the leadership of the UAE in futuristic government
administration and the excellent bilateral relations between our two countries, Zimbabwe has benefited immensely and innovated its government systems. This has increased efficiency and transparency in the delivery of quality services.
“The study tours in 2022 to the UAE by our senior government officials, was insightful. The main goal was to understand and appreciate public sector reforms in the UAE that created the enabling environment which has transformed the UAE to become a key global player in numerous sectors.”
ZIMBABWE yesterday joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Radio Day, at a time when the country has made huge strides towards ensuring access to information even in the remotest parts through the licencing of 14 community radio stations and eight campus radio stations.
World Radio Day is celebrated on February 13 every year.
It was first celebrated in 2012, following its declaration by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) general conference.
Subsequently, it was adopted as an International Day by the United Nations General Assembly.
This year’s commemorations ran under the theme, “Radio: A century of informing, entertaining and educating”.
In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services said radio was essential in the dissemination of information across the country.
“As a country we have made huge strides towards ensuring access to information in the remotest parts of the country by licencing 14 community radio stations and eight campus radio stations,” reads the statement.
“The language-based community radio stations have given a voice to the hitherto marginalised communities in line with our philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
“Radio remains one of the communication mediums with unparalleled reach supporting effective information dissemination anchored on an enabling environment that promotes media diversity and plurality.
“This has seen the operationalisation of the community and campus radio stations across the country.”
The Ministry of Information said it remains committed to fulfilling its mandate of creating an informed nation through being a real time disseminator of information in the country and beyond.
This year’s commemorations will be jointly held with the launch of Twasumpuka FM in Binga, Matabeleland North province, on February 25.
Government has invited the Binga community to join the commemorations and launch Twasumpuka FM.
Speaking during the World Radio Day celebrations in Harare yesterday, the Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations (ZACRAS) board chairperson Mr Artwell Nkomo implored Government to license more community radio stations and provide adequate support. Mr Nkomo said World Radio Day provides people with a valuable opportunity to reflect on the immense impact that radio has had on societies.
“Community radio stations bridge the information gap, empower women and youth, stimulate local economies and strengthen social cohesion,” he said.
“Since the licencing of 14 community radio stations in Zimbabwe, there has been increased information conveyance and dialogue.
“Through the airwaves, community radio has connected people, promoted local culture and budded musicians from marginalised communities,” said Mr Nkomo.
He added that in the last 20 years, ZACRAS has been at the forefront of championing community radio initiatives in Zimbabwe, which have now become “vital platforms for amplifying the voices of marginalised communities, promoting local content and addressing the unique needs of diverse populations”.
“While we celebrate the progress made over the past two decades, we also acknowledge that there is still much work to be done,” he said.
“We call upon the Government of Zimbabwe to recognise the significant role of community radio in promoting democracy, freedom of expression, and social inclusion and therefore their sustainability should be on the national agenda.
“The current 14 licenced community radio stations are at different capacity levels and we want to ensure their continued existence and success in the communities as they provide local voices an opportunity to be heard and they are a critical source of information for the community,” said Mr Nkomo.
ZACRAS, he added, stands ready to continue collaborating with the Government, civil society organisations and all stakeholders to create a vibrant and inclusive media landscape that empowers all Zimbabweans.
Spokesperson and coordinator for the National Association of Community Broadcasters Zimbabwe, Ms Yvonne Buzwane who is also Radio BuKalanga station manager, commended the power of radio.
“As community radio stations, we are blessed to have different communities licenced with radio stations that can help us empower our communities, have their voices heard, promote public participation and promote our cultures and languages which were almost dying,” she said.