Mnangagwa warns against rigidity, inefficiency in ministries, departments and agencies
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday officially opened the 2026 First Cabinet Session in Harare, warning ministers against complacency and over-reliance on his office to carry out routine government duties. Addressing Cabinet, Mnangagwa urged ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to uphold accountable governance, dismissing what he described as bureaucratic lethargy, absenteeism and inefficiency. “Today’s meeting signifies […] The post Mnangagwa warns against rigidity, inefficiency in ministries, departments and agencies appeared first on NewZimbabwe.com.
Black News 
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday officially opened the 2026 First Cabinet Session in Harare, warning ministers against complacency and over-reliance on his office to carry out routine government duties.
Addressing Cabinet, Mnangagwa urged ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to uphold accountable governance, dismissing what he described as bureaucratic lethargy, absenteeism and inefficiency.
“Today’s meeting signifies the beginning of yet another pivotal stage in our nation’s development journey under the new phase of the National Development Strategy 2.
“I will not accept unwarranted rigidity, inflated individualities, misalignment, or bureaucratic lethargy that frustrates progress, from yourselves individually, or the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) over which you superintend.
“Attendance at Cabinet and Cabinet Committee meetings is mandatory. Complacency and absenteeism are unacceptable. To ensure operational efficiencies, ministers must delegate well-briefed deputy ministers to represent you at the various Cabinet Committee and related meetings, in your absence,” Mnangagwa said.
He also made it clear that he will no longer attend routine commissioning events and functions that fall within the responsibility of individual ministries.
“MDAs are duty-bound to submit to the Chief Secretary’s Office timely schedules of key projects and programmes that may require me to officiate.
“May I hasten to mention that these must be of strategic national importance and not routine ministry business. Members should not expect me, as President, to do their work for them. Sporadic or ad-hoc requests and invitations concerning commissioning events and other related functions will not be accommodated,” he added.
Mnangagwa further challenged ministries to be responsive to citizens’ concerns and to avoid delays in processing critical documents and services.
He stressed that Cabinet must sustain development momentum through a people-centred, multi-pronged and transformative economic growth strategy.
“As we embark on our duties during the year, let us remain inspired by the hopes, aspirations and trust which Zimbabweans have placed on our ruling revolutionary mass party, Zanu PF.
“Collectively, as the Zanu PF government, let us increase the pace at which we implement our programmes and projects. Failure to make decisions and the culture of ‘sitting on documents’ will not be condoned.
“I challenge members of Cabinet to take this onerous responsibility with the seriousness, diligence and vigour worthy of these roles within the Executive. It is my expectation that members will work with greater synergies, collaboration and complementarity.”
Mnangagwa also reminded MDAs to finalise the review of licences, permits, levies and fees during the first quarter of 2026.
The post Mnangagwa warns against rigidity, inefficiency in ministries, departments and agencies appeared first on NewZimbabwe.com.
