dyton mupawaenda
Conrad Mupesa-Mashonaland West Bureau
The Second Republic is preparing for the introduction of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS-2) in 2026, with the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) urged to provide strategic leadership in the public sector.
This initiative aims to drive the agenda towards achieving Vision 2030.
With the successful implementation of NDS-1 concluding next year, the Government emphasises the importance of market-driven policies and collaboration between the public and private sectors as key to realising Vision 2030.
During the opening of a three-day strategic planning workshop of the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) in Kadoma yesterday, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, challenged officers to support President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 to maintain public support for the Government and the ruling party, Zanu PF.
Dr Rushwaya said the devolution agenda is crucial for equitable and sustainable development across provinces, leveraging local resources.
He noted the progress made in community development through devolution funds distributed via local authorities.
““The devolution and decentralisation agenda is the cogwheel of our current and future development thrust to ensure that there is equitable and sustainable development at the sub-national level based on each province’s comparative and diversified endowments,” said Dr Rushwaya.
“As you are aware, remarkable progress has been achieved in terms of community development using the devolution funds that are distributed through local authorities.
“Government has continued to give priority to the devolution and decentralisation drive by strengthening the institutional arrangement of the Offices of the Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution including the establishment of the Department of Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Office of the President and Cabinet.”
There is a call for reforms in public entities to enhance their contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Citing Belarus, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet pointed out that public agencies could significantly bolster GDP, providing resilience against sanctions.
An inclusive governance culture is deemed essential, particularly through the implementation of the devolution policy.
This involves engaging all sectors of society in governance and development.
Dr Rushwaya highlighted the need for ministries and agencies to prioritise digitisation. He stressed that robust e-Government ecosystems are vital for effective governance and citizen engagement.
Foundational projects like the National Digital ID and Data Exchange Platform are set to be prioritised.
Deputy Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, Dr Noma Ndiweni, affirmed the Commission’s commitment to digitisation as a means to simplify bureaucracy and enhance local governance.
Minister of State for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo, noted that 2025 will mark the conclusion of NDS-1, providing an opportunity to assess achievements and challenges and to strategise for NDS-2.
“The incoming year 2025 marks a significant milestone in the country as well as the Government’s programming as we come to the end of implementation of the National Development Strategy 1: 2021 – 2025.
“The period presents us with both opportunities to look back and assess our achievements, or lack thereof, and challenges to strive to achieve our targets set out in the NDS 1. Our collective efforts during this workshop will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our country and setting the stage for success,” she noted.
The workshop, themed, “Transforming the Public Sector for Agility, Innovation, and Modernisation towards Vision 2030,” includes senior Government officials, highlighting its significance in shaping the country’s future and ensuring successful implementation of upcoming strategies.
