Everisto Zhuwao

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) yesterday received national recognition for leadership excellence during the 2025 Service Delivery Awards.

ZEC Chairperson, Hon. Justice P. M. Chigumba, was named first runner-up for performance excellence in the category of Chairpersons of Independent Commissions.

At the same ceremony, ZEC Chief Executive Officer, Mr. S. Tongayi, was honoured as the overall best performer in the category of Executive Secretaries and CEOs for Independent Commissions.

These awards recognise the dedication and operational improvements demonstrated by the commission’s leadership throughout the 2025 calendar year.

By Everisto Zhuwao

President Emmerson Mnangagwa honoured the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, as the Overall Best Performing Cabinet Minister of 2025 during a prestigious ceremony held in Harare on Monday.

The recognition took place at the 2026 Performance Contracts Signing and Awards Ceremony, where the Head of State evaluated the annual performance and efficiency of government officials.

Minister Rwodzi received the top accolade for her dedicated leadership and the significant growth achieved within the tourism sector over the past year.

Her ministry successfully implemented strategies that increased visitor arrivals and enhanced the country’s hospitality infrastructure. This award highlights her commitment to public service and her ability to drive meaningful transformation in one of Zimbabwe’s most vital economic sectors.

During the event, President Mnangagwa emphasised that performance contracts serve as a key tool for ensuring accountability and excellence within the Second Republic. The ceremony was attended by government dignitaries and stakeholders who witnessed the signing of new performance agreements for the upcoming year.

The recognition of Minister Rwodzi stands as a testament to her visionary approach in marketing the nation as a premier travel destination.

The achievement also reflects the collective effort of the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry in aligning its goals with national development priorities. By securing this award, Minister Rwodzi has set a high standard for administrative excellence and results-orientated governance.

The Parliament of Zimbabwe has officially released the timetable for nationwide public consultations on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026. The hearings, covering all ten provinces, are set to run from March 30 to April 2, 2026.

The Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, led by Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, says the consultations are part of a “nationwide engagement” process aimed at ensuring citizens have a voice in proposed constitutional reforms.

Key Proposals in the Bill

The Amendment Bill proposes several significant changes to the 2013 Constitution, including:

Presidential Selection: Shifting from a direct general election to a parliamentary system, where the President would be elected by a joint sitting of the Senate and National Assembly.

Term Extensions: Adjusting the presidential term and the lifespan of Parliament, which could move the next general election from 2028 to 2030.

Senate Appointments: Allowing the President to nominate ten additional senators based on professional expertise.

Voter Registration: Returning voter registration responsibilities from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to the Registrar-General.

Government officials describe these changes as a step toward aligning Zimbabwe’s governance system with global best practices, encouraging more efficient parliamentary oversight, and strengthening leadership accountability.

Concerns Over Compressed Schedule

Some policy analysts and civil society groups have raised concerns about the short four-day consultation period. The schedule includes “doubleheaders,” with morning and afternoon sessions in different locations, which critics say could make it difficult for citizens, particularly those in rural areas, to participate meaningfully.

“The intention is positive, but the timeline may limit full public engagement,” said one policy expert. Church groups and human rights organizations have echoed these concerns, stressing that constitutional changes should reflect broad and inclusive input from all citizens.

Potential Benefits of the Bill

Supporters argue that the Amendment Bill could modernize Zimbabwe’s governance framework. By enabling the parliamentary election of the President and allowing professional appointments to the Senate, the reforms aim to:

Promote greater expertise and oversight in legislative processes.

Strengthen continuity and stability in governance.

Encourage efficient decision-making while maintaining public accountability.

Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has emphasized that the hearings are a critical opportunity for citizens to contribute to shaping the future of Zimbabwe’s governance. “This is a broad constitutional evolution designed to improve transparency, efficiency, and alignment with successful governance practices worldwide,” he said.

As the hearings approach, the debate continues over the adequacy of the consultation period, but the government remains committed to engaging the public on these transformative reforms.