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All is set for the signing of performance contracts and awards ceremony at State House in Harare today, where President Mnangagwa is expected to lead the process. Cabinet ministers and senior public sector officials will sign performance contracts in line with Vision 2030, which demands that leaders provide sustainable economic growth, employment, wealth creation, national development and poverty alleviation for the people. So far, 6 000 projects across 14 thematic areas have been implemented. The projects have been closely monitored, evaluated and awarded since 2021 when the performance contracts were implemented. This comes as some Government officials have recorded major successes in their portfolios. In terms of State Enterprises Reform being led by President Mnangagwa, the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) has emerged as a beacon, showcasing significant strides in financial transparency, accountability and service delivery for the benefit of the people. Under the leadership of board chairman, Dr George Manyaya, appointed in December 2021, ZINARA has transformed from a careworn entity into a model of effective state enterprise management. It is now one of the most transparent state enterprises after it disbursed 88 percent of its revenue to councils and road authorities while also recording a first-ever clean audit from the Auditor-General.

In a significant move to empower the youth of Zimbabwe, Hon. Minister T. Machakaire distributed purebred Boer goats to 30 youth clubs in Mbire District, Mashonaland Central. This initiative, supported by the Chinese Embassy through its Youth Maker program, aims to enhance the livelihoods of young people by providing them with high-quality livestock that can improve goat genetics and increase carcass weight, ultimately boosting their income. Addressing youths at Gonono Business Centre, the Deputy Chinese Ambassador, Me Cheng Yan, said that, “We just hope the donation will serve as a catalyst or trigger to unleash the immense energy and potential of youth in Mashonaland Central and to boost the local livestock industry.” In addition, the ambassador added that, “Under the leadership of Hon. Min Machakaire, coordinated by the Ministry of Youth, we expect the program will enhance the goat productivity through cross-breeding with local herds so as to increase the income of the youth and enable them to play a greater part in local economic development and livelihood promotion.” The event was attended by our Permanent Secretary, Mr. S. Mhlanga; Chinese Embassy officials; UNDP Country Representative Dr. A. Odusola; and Mbire Constituency Member of Parliament Hon. D. Butau. Together, they toured local sesame fields, where Mbire youths are actively engaged in farming this cash crop. The income generated from sesame farming has enabled many young people to build and improve their homes. During the handover ceremony, Hon. Minister Machakaire was thrilled with the projects and how determined the youths in Mbire district were. “I am pleased to note that some of the youth in Ward 4 have already surpassed the lower threshold of this economic classification, earning over $4,000 per year. This is a pure testament to the power of determination, organization, and strategic economic engagement.” “I was happy to receive reports that the youth of Mbire are fully engaged in goat and sesame farming clubs. In addition, the youth groups were strategically organized into clubs, and this structured approach fosters efficiency and makes it easier for the ministry and its stakeholders to introduce impactful interventions that can scale up youth operations,” the Hon. Minister said. Furthermore, the Hon. Minister stated that, “Our vision is to establish Mbire as a hub for purebred goats, and for this we are actively working to secure additional resources to continue the transition from F1 crossbreeds to purebred stock. Furthermore, as we strengthen the goat and sesame value chains, we plan to construct a standard abattoir for goats in this district. This facility will ensure value addition and improved market access for goat products.” In addition to the goat distribution, the Hon. Minister provided mobile gadgets to Junior Parliamentarians present to enhance their technological capabilities and facilitate effective communication. Furthermore, twelve youth ward officers from Mbire District received motorbikes to improve their mobility and engagement with the youth in their respective wards. This comprehensive approach not only supports agricultural development but also fosters communication and connectivity among the youth, paving the way for a more empowered generation.