The Department of Social Development is reviewing its 2026 performance and developing strategies for 2027 to strengthen social protection programmes and improve support for vulnerable groups across the country.
Speaking at the opening of the Provincial Directorate and Pre-Strategic Planning meeting in Harare, yesterday, Acting Director of Social Development, Totamirepi Tirivavi, said the review provided an opportunity to assess achievements, identify implementation gaps and develop practical strategies for the coming year.
“The department needed to ensure that its plans translated into tangible improvements in the lives of beneficiaries. Clear targets and effective coordination were essential in strengthening service delivery,” he said.
He said the performance review should go beyond assessing activities undertaken during the year and focus on measuring the actual impact of social development programmes.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that no vulnerable person or family is left behind. As we review our 2026 performance and plan for 2027, we must develop practical interventions that respond to the needs of the communities we serve,” said Tirivavi.
He called on provincial directorates to strengthen collaboration and ensure that available resources were directed towards priority areas requiring urgent attention.
Tirivavi stressed that effective planning, accountability and coordination among relevant stakeholders would enable the department to reach more beneficiaries and improve the quality of social protection services.
“Every plan we develop must have clear targets, measurable outcomes and defined responsibilities. We must also strengthen coordination at all levels to ensure that our programmes achieve the intended results and reach those who need assistance most,” he said.
The 2027 planning process is expected to provide a framework for strengthening social development interventions and ensuring that vulnerable members of society receive appropriate support.
The initiative reflects the importance of an inclusive social protection system in improving livelihoods and promoting the well-being of all citizens.
