Health Service Commission (HSC) Chairperson Dr. Vincent Hungwe has called on public entities to adhere strictly to established public procurement and corporate governance protocols to enhance the management of state funds. Dr. Hungwe made these remarks in his keynote address as the guest of honour at the Public Procurement and Corporate Governance Conference in Bulawayo.
HSC Deputy Chairperson Dr. Rugare Abigail Kangwende, Commissioner Mercy Gwaunza and HSC Secretary Dr. Christopher Pasi also joined delegates in discussing strategies to optimize governance for effective administration. The conference, which is attracting key stakeholders in Zimbabwe’s public sector, aims to address methods to improve corporate governance practices, budgeting, and procurement processes within state institutions.
Dr. Hungwe’s comments highlight the pressing need for strengthened corporate governance across public entities, which play a crucial role in ensuring accountability and transparency. He underscored that good governance practices are not merely procedural but foundational to protecting state resources from misuse and corruption.
The Chairman also emphasized the importance of adhering to procurement guidelines, which are designed to mitigate mismanagement and prevent corruption. According to the HSC chairperson, compliance with procurement standards fosters greater accountability, creating a culture of transparency in the use of public resources.
“Effective corporate governance and adherence to sound procurement policies are essential for safeguarding state resources and ensuring that public funds are used effectively and responsibly,” said Dr Hungwe.
The conference agenda included discussions on various topics that public sector leaders identified as critical to advancing governance standards: Corporate Governance in the Public Sector, Budgeting and Value for Money (VFM) Audits, Integrated Results-Based Management (IRBM) Frameworks, Optimizing Human Resources for Productivity and Growth, Accounting Authorities in Public Procurement, Public Procurement as a Strategic Tool.
The call for compliance in procurement and corporate governance reflects a larger movement towards cultivating a culture of accountability within Zimbabwe’s public institutions. By following these protocols, public entities not only protect state resources but also contribute to public trust and institutional resilience.
