President Mnangagwa stops senseless government foreign travel

HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged government ministers and senior officials to limit their foreign travels, stating that these trips should only be undertaken if they serve “strategic importance” to the country.

The President made these remarks during his first cabinet meeting following his controversial re-election last month.

Highlighting the disruption caused by excessive foreign travel, Mnangagwa emphasized that no minister and their respective permanent secretary should both be out of the country simultaneously, as this practice negatively impacts the execution of government business.

“Travel outside the country will be strictly limited to those programs which are of strategic importance and contribute to our country’s national priorities,” President Mnangagwa stated during the meeting.

While the President has faced criticism for his own frequent foreign trips, which have incurred substantial expenses, he seems determined to address this issue.

His most recent trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York raised eyebrows due to its reportedly extravagant nature.

During the meeting, President Mnangagwa also addressed concerns regarding the roles of deputy ministers.

He explained that their roles should complement those of the substantive ministers, emphasizing that a proper understanding of these roles is crucial to harnessing the full potential of their skill sets.

“I am aware that in the past Cabinet, some ministers did not want deputy ministers. And the decision is mine, not yours,” President Mnangagwa stated.

He further mentioned that a circular detailing the functions of deputy ministers would be provided to all relevant parties for clarity.

These measures reflect President Mnangagwa’s commitment to optimizing government operations, especially in light of the challenges facing Zimbabwe’s economy and governance.