President Mnangagwa Cracks Down on Ministers Missing Cabinet Meetings

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has laid down the law for his cabinet, warning ministers against habitual absence from weekly meetings during his last cabinet session of 2024.

At State House, Mnangagwa made it clear that the practice of sending deputies in their stead would no longer fly in the new year.

He underscored his dissatisfaction with the “untenable” trend of ministers ducking out of their responsibilities, leaving junior staff to take their place.

The President mandated the Chief Secretary to keep a strict eye on attendance, promising repercussions for those who fail to comply with this directive.

For the year 2025, Mnangagwa directed that only directors and above should substitute for absent Permanent Secretaries at Working Party Meetings.

He further stipulated that deputy ministers, when deputizing, must be fully briefed and capable of engaging in the discussions, not just occupying seats.

This crackdown extends to performance accountability, with Mnangagwa stating that deputy ministers will now have to sign performance contracts akin to their senior counterparts.

The President also took aim at the government’s digital presence, lamenting the poor state of ministry websites despite the availability of ICT talent.

He criticized the lack of up-to-date and functional websites, calling it a misrepresentation of the government’s capabilities and outreach.

Mnangagwa’s comments signal a broader push for better governance and communication within his administration as it moves into 2025.

His stance on meeting attendance reflects a desire for direct engagement and leadership from his appointed ministers.

This directive is part of Mnangagwa’s broader effort to enhance efficiency and accountability within his government ranks.

The move to performance contracts for deputies is seen as an attempt to ensure all levels of government are equally responsible for outcomes.

His critique of government websites indicates an acknowledgment of the need to modernize and enhance the government’s digital footprint.

As the year ends, this stern message from the President sets the tone for what could be a more disciplined and performance-oriented cabinet in the coming year.

The expectation is clear: ministers must be present, engaged, and accountable, or face the consequences of their absence.