Ministry of Lands Triumphs at 2026 Performance Contracts Ceremony, Showcasing Leadership and Impact
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development emerged as the outstanding performer at the 2026 Performance Contracts Signing and Award Ceremony, affirming its leadership in public service delivery and national development under the stewardship of Honourable Minister Anxious Masuka. Their remarkable achievements were honoured and celebrated alongside other top government officials in an event steeped in accountability, patriotism, and renewed commitment to Vision 2030.
Public Service Commission Chairman, Dr Vincent Hungwe, set a reflective and inspiring tone for the ceremony, declaring it “not only procedural” but a “moment of national significance.” He described the assembly as “a sanctuary of commitment, a theatre of accountability and a celebration of duty.” Dr Hungwe emphasised the five-year maturity of the performance management system, calling on ministries to continually learn from their experiences and anchor their service delivery in the perspectives and satisfaction of the citizenry.
“Let us not be driven by fear to underperform but by the desire to exceed expectations,” Dr Hungwe urged, acknowledging the visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa for embedding a culture of accountability within government frameworks.
Top honours for Ministry of Lands leadership
Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, revealed the results of a rigorous evaluation of 25 Cabinet ministers, 25 permanent secretaries, deputy ministers, and provincial government officials. Notably, Minister Masuka secured second place among Cabinet ministers, Deputy Minister Hon. Vangelis Haritatos took first place among deputy ministers, and Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri was honoured as the top permanent secretary. This comprehensive triumph highlights the ministry’s consistent pursuit of excellence across leadership levels.
Achievements during Minister Masuka’s tenure
Under Minister Masuka’s leadership, the ministry has made substantial progress aligning with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and advancing preparations for the second phase (NDS2). Key accomplishments include:
- Accelerated land reform and empowerment: The ministry has advanced equitable land redistribution, with focused support for women, youth, and marginalised rural communities, strengthening social inclusion and economic opportunity.
- Boosted agricultural productivity: Through expanded irrigation schemes, improved access to seeds and inputs, and farmer training, agricultural yields have increased significantly, contributing to national food security.
- Enhanced water resource management: Investments in sustainable water infrastructure and conservation have improved drought resilience particularly in vulnerable areas, supporting year-round cultivation.
- Development of fisheries and rural livelihoods: The ministry’s efforts in sustainable fisheries management have generated socioeconomic benefits and diversified income sources in rural zones.
Voices from the field
Farmers and rural communities attest to the ministry’s positive impact. Mr Tendai Chibaya, a smallholder farmer from Masvingo, shares, “The support from the Ministry has transformed my farming operations. Access to irrigation and extension services helped me increase yields and income, making a real difference for my family.” Such testimonials exemplify how policies translate to tangible improvements in people’s lives.
President Mnangagwa’s vision and challenge
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, speaking at the event, underscored the significance of the ceremony in marking the implementation of NDS2. He urged the public sector to integrate contemporary governance frameworks with indigenous knowledge to innovate and deliver effective public services. His call to “Implement, Deliver and Impact” resonates with the ministry’s demonstrated commitment and progress.
“I am pleased that the public sector is showing higher levels of patriotism, servant leadership, hard honest work, unity of purpose, professionalism and selfless service,” the President remarked, a fitting endorsement of the Ministry of Lands’ accomplishments.
Looking ahead
As Zimbabwe accelerates towards Vision 2030, the Ministry of Lands is poised to lead further transformative interventions, including climate-smart agriculture, digitalised land information systems, and enhanced participatory governance. These priorities will ensure sustainable development, empower women and youth, and build resilience against climate challenges.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development’s outstanding performance at the 2026 Performance Contracts Signing and Award Ceremony exemplifies how visionary leadership, strategic focus, and accountable governance produce meaningful national impact. The ministry’s success reinforces the promise Zimbabwe holds for inclusive growth, social equity, and sustainable prosperity.
Warm congratulations are extended to Minister Anxious Masuka, Deputy Minister Hon. Vangelis Haritatos, Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri, and their dedicated teams on this prestigious recognition. Their achievements inspire all to strive for exceptional transformation in service to Zimbabwe’s people.
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