By Lovemore Chazingwa
Departments in the Ministry of Justice Legal and Parliamentary Affairs are strongly urged to be realistic when coming out with strategies that dovetail into ministerial objectives, a top Government official has said.
Justice Minister Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi made the remarks when he officially opened his Ministry’s 2020 Strategic Plan Review Workshop at Kadoma Hotel and Conference Centre (KHCC) in Mashonaland West province yesterday.
The strategic planning workshop is essential as it sets the tone for the coming year.
“We gathered here to carry out our strategic planning review exercise of performance in the past year and be able to derive a better appreciation of the hurdles we encountered, as well as, formulation of appropriate responses targeting the new year.
“It is my sincere hope that, as we sit down and plan our different activities, we take into cognisance the financial environment that we are currently operating in and set targets that are achievable with minimum expenditure,” said Minister Ziyambi.
The Hon. Minister alluded to the fact that his ministry rolls out a carpet to failure if departments set unrealistic, unachievable targets in the wake of refraining resources.
“It’s very important that we set realistic targets that speak to our purse.”
“The thrust of government on results based management can never be over emphasised. Let us take note that the achievement of world class justice for all by 2030 is possible through effective planning tied with effective delivery.
“The role of the Ministry of Justice cannot be underscored in the implementation of government initiatives and national objectives. The Ministry is a key pillar and it is thus necessary that we have a clear strategic plan for the year 2020 which auguments and reinforces our national thrust.
“The Ministry under transitional stabilisation plan continues to ensure that the rule of law is strengthened and we strive to abide by the dictum that no-one is above the law and the law should protect everyone in order to promote peace, harmony, security and stability for all Zimbabweans. I urge all of us here present to not lose sight of the objectives that underpin vision 2030 so as to guarantee further economic stability and socio-economic emancipation for the ordinary citizen.
“The program and initiative for the year must make the most of the available resources as well as making use of the new procurement system effectively. I must also emphasise the importance of working together as a team. The different departments cannot work in silos as this is the case in most circumstances lead to duplication of efforts and waste of resources.”
The workshop was attended by some of the country’s top legal minds. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Virginia Mabhiza, Attorney General Justice Prince Machaya, Minister of State for Mashonaland West Province Hon. Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, ZACC chairperson Loice Matanda-Moyo, Chief Justice Luke Malaba, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Chairperson Priscilla Chigumba, Attorney General Kumbirai Hodzi was represented by an official from his department, Head of the Special Anti-Corruption unit Advocate Thabani Mpofu, Commissioners from the ZRP and the ZPCS and, representatives from all departments in the justice Ministry.
Notable development partners at the curtain raiser planning workshop included the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ), UNICEF, and Centre for Applied Legal Research (CAL).
Development partners demonstrated steadfast support for the planning Indaba with United Nations International Children Education Fund (UNICEF) representative Laylee Moshiri presenting a solidarity paper which spoke to continued support of the country’s programs by the world renowned humanitarian organisation in relation to the rule of law in the country at the high level workshop.