Foreign trips policy review - Gvt disallows Minist...

Foreign trips policy review - Gvt disallows Ministers and their Secretaries to be absent at same time

Zimbabwe's president accused of nepotism after appointing son and nephew | Emmerson Mnangagwa | The Guardian

Ministers and their permanent secretaries will not be permitted to be out of the country at the same time as this would curtail their respective ministry’s service delivery and general Government business, the President has said.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa restrained both Cabinet ministers and their permanent secretaries saying only trips which contribute to Zimbabwe’s national priorities and ultimate vision of an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 will be sanctioned.

He made the remarks while addressing the first Cabinet meeting after the general elections held in August.

He tasked ministers to accelerate the implementation of ongoing as well as new policies, projects and programmes for the benefit of the people.

The president said the Second Republic would continue initiating people-oriented policies, programmes, and projects for the sole purpose of improving Zimbabweans’ livelihoods.

“All members remain guided by the relevant circular on foreign travel. In this regard, no minister and permanent secretary can both be out of the country at the same time, as this has negative implications on service delivery and general Government business.

“Further, travel outside the country will be strictly limited to those programmes which are of strategic importance and contribute to our country’s national priorities.

“As the Executive arm of Government, our policies, programmes and projects should remain people-centred for an improved quality of life for all our people.

“Production and productivity across all sectors must be accelerated. All projects and programmes embarked on during the First Term of the Second Republic should be completed speedily. This calls for hard work and focus from all of you,” he said.

Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi followed proceedings during the first Cabinet meeting at State House in Harare yesterday.

The President implored Cabinet members to ensure their ministries facilitate the ease of doing business, pursuant to promoting Zimbabwe as an investment and tourism destination of choice.

To this end, President Mnangagwa directed the Cabinet to expedite the attainment of set targets across all sectors, while reiterating that ministers were free to come and consult him for guidance.

“Henceforth, it is critical for Cabinet members to be responsive and robustly track and facilitate the implementation of policies and programmes that quicken the attainment of set goals. My office remains open for any guidance and support,” he said.