‘You are not going on holiday’ — Mnangagwa demands results from Zimbabwe’s diplomats

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has warned Zimbabwean ambassadors against treating their diplomatic postings as holidays, demanding results and urging them to promote investment into the country.

Mnangagwa made the remarks on Monday during an engagement with the diplomats in Harare.

The meeting comes amid a shake-up of the foreign service, with several ambassadors recalled and replaced by individuals perceived to be loyal to the President.

Mnangagwa challenged diplomats to work diligently and ensure Zimbabwe’s foreign relations remain responsive.

“Under my Administration, serving as diplomats is not ‘child’s play’. Ndinoda madzimai nevarume vakatsunga, vakazvipira kushanda nesimba kuti nyika ibudirire.

“Avo vanofunga kuti varikuenda kuholiday, bodo. Hamusi kuyenda kunze ikoko kunomwa mazambiringa. I demand results.

“You are required to be principled and pragmatic, ensuring that our foreign relations are fluid, responsive and forward-looking.

“‘Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none’; we can never be dependent on any single country or bloc.

“I count on you, diplomats, to give the necessary advice and analysis that will continuously sharpen our decisions and national positions on international developments as well as bilateral and multilateral agreements,” Mnangagwa said.

Among those recently posted to diplomatic missions is Helliate Rushwaya, who will serve as Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Rwanda, replacing Charity Manyeruke. Engelbert Rugeje and Barbara Mukahanana have also been posted to diplomatic missions.

As diplomats return to their stations, Mnangagwa urged them to translate resolutions from the 23rd ZANU PF National People’s Conference into programmes with measurable targets.

“As you return to your duty stations, let our diplomacy be guided by unity of purpose, strategic clarity, accountability and a firm commitment to transformative results.

“I direct you to translate the outcomes of the 23rd People’s Conference of our revolutionary, mass Party, ZANU PF, along with the Ministry’s Strategic Planning Workshop, into clear programmes and measurable targets.

“In executing your respective roles, never work in silos, but in close liaison with other Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

“Heads of Mission are called upon to exercise prudent financial and administrative management. Government property must be properly maintained and public resources responsibly used.

“The overall management of Mission operations must be consistent with standing procedures and regulations,” he added.

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