Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Innocent Mujeri, Correspondent
AS Zimbabwe strides into the year 2025, the need for a collective commitment to hard work, efficiency, and national development cannot be overstated. This year must be one of production, innovation, and transformation, leaving no room for mediocrity, absenteeism, or inefficiency. Inspired by the powerful words of President Mnangagwa’s inaugural address in November 2017, this is the year to reaffirm the ideals of accountability, dedication, and service to the nation.
In his inaugural address in 2017, President Mnangagwa emphasised the critical role of civil servants in rebuilding the nation’s economy and delivering services to the people. His words resonate now more than ever. “Gone are the days of absenteeism and desultory application, days of unduly delaying and forestalling decisions and services in the hope of extorting dirty rewards,” he said.
These strong words should inspire not only civil servants but every Zimbabwean to take up the mantle of responsibility and make meaningful contributions toward the country’s development.
Civil servants are the lifeblood of Government operations, and their role in nation-building cannot be overemphasised. They are entrusted with delivering essential services, implementing policies, and ensuring that the machinery of Government runs smoothly. However, as President Mnangagwa aptly pointed out, “The culture in Government just has to change.” Civil servants must rise above inefficiency, corruption, and lethargy to embody a culture of hard work, integrity, and innovation.
This year, civil servants must adopt a results-oriented approach. Every hour spent at work should translate into tangible outcomes that benefit the nation. Public offices must become hubs of efficiency, responsiveness, and empathy. Delays in decision-making and service delivery not only harm the citizens but also hinder the nation’s progress. A civil service that is proactive, solution-driven, and citizen-focused will set the tone for a productive and prosperous Zimbabwe.
While civil servants play a pivotal role, the responsibility of driving national development extends to every Zimbabwean. Whether one is a farmer, entrepreneur, teacher, artisan, or student, the call to action is the same: roll up your sleeves and contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth.
In agriculture, for instance, farmers must leverage modern techniques and technologies to increase productivity and ensure food security. The manufacturing and industrial sectors must innovate to produce goods that meet both local and international demands. Entrepreneurs must seize opportunities to create jobs and drive economic growth, while educators must prepare the next generation of Zimbabweans to be skilled, knowledgeable, and competitive.
Zimbabwe is blessed with abundant natural resources and a hard-working population. However, the key to unlocking our potential lies in fostering a culture of hard work and accountability. As the President stated in 2017, “A new culture must now inform and animate our daily conduct.” This culture must permeate every aspect of our society, from workplaces to schools, from communities to Government offices.
One of the biggest obstacles to national development is corruption. When public servants and officials prioritise personal gain over public service, the entire nation suffers. Corruption erodes trust, diverts resources, and undermines progress. It is imperative that Zimbabwe takes a firm stance against this menace in 2025.
Civil servants and leaders at all levels must set an example by upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability. Systems must be put in place to ensure transparency and prevent the misuse of public funds. Citizens, too, have a role to play in reporting corrupt practices and demanding accountability from those in power.
Efficiency is another critical factor. Bureaucratic red tape, delays in service delivery, and a lack of urgency in decision-making must become things of the past. Flexibility and adaptability must be built into Government operations to ensure that decisions are made and implemented swiftly. As President Mnangagwa highlighted, the government must not become “one huge, ponderous stumbling block to decisions that must be made and communicated expeditiously.”
In today’s fast-paced world, innovation and technology are indispensable tools for national development. Zimbabwe must embrace these tools to enhance productivity, improve service delivery, and compete on the global stage. Government departments should adopt digital systems to streamline operations and reduce inefficiencies. Entrepreneurs and businesses should explore innovative solutions to address challenges and create opportunities.
For instance, e-governance can revolutionise the way Government interacts with citizens, making services more accessible and efficient. In agriculture, precision farming and smart technologies can boost yields and reduce waste. In education, digital platforms can bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, ensuring that every child has access to quality learning resources.
The private sector also has a crucial role to play in driving innovation and investment. Public-private partnerships can unlock resources and expertise to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges, from infrastructure development to job creation.
The youth and women of Zimbabwe are invaluable assets in the journey towards national development. Their energy, creativity, and resilience must be harnessed to drive progress. Programmes that empower young people with skills, knowledge, and opportunities must be prioritised. Similarly, women’s participation in all sectors of the economy must be encouraged and supported.
In 2025, Zimbabwe must strive to create an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of gender or age, has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the nation’s development. The talents and potential of every citizen must be recognised and nurtured.
As a nation, Zimbabwe cannot afford any hindrance to its development. Whether it is corruption, inefficiency, or a lack of commitment, these obstacles must be confronted and eliminated. Every Zimbabwean must take personal responsibility for their role in the nation’s progress. This is not just a call for civil servants or leaders but for all citizens.
Each individual’s actions, no matter how small, contribute to the larger picture of national development. Whether it is a teacher who inspires their students, a farmer who plants a field, or an entrepreneur who starts a business, every effort counts. Together, these actions create a ripple effect that drives the nation forward.
As we embark on this journey in 2025, let us remember that the future of Zimbabwe is in our hands. By embracing a culture of hard work, accountability, and innovation, we can transform our nation into one that is prosperous, inclusive, and resilient.
President Mnangagwa’s words in 2017 serve as a powerful reminder of what is at stake. “We have an economy to recover, a people to serve,” he said. This is the year to honour that call, to rise above challenges, and to work tirelessly for the development of our beloved nation. Let us make 2025 a year of action, a year of production, and a year of progress.
Zimbabwe deserves nothing less.
