ZOU Senior Managers Sign Performance Contracts
In a significant step towards enhancing accountability and transparency, the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) senior managers signed their Performance Contracts for the year 2025 at the ZOU Corner, 2nd Floor Boarding on the 12th of March 2025. The Performance Contracts were signed before the Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Henry Gundani. The Senior Managers are comprised of the Pro Vice Chancellor (PVC), Academic Affairs, A/PVC Research, Innovation and Enterprise Development (RIED), Registrar, Bursar, Librarian, and the Information Technologist. The ceremony marked a crucial milestone in the institution’s commitment to excellence in higher education.
ZOU Corporate Planning Manager, Dr. Peter Mutanho (standing), facilitates the Performance Contracts signing ceremony in the ZOU, 2nd Floor Boardroom on 12 March 2025 while senior managers follow proceedings.
The signing of performance contracts is a requirement of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act [Cap 10:31] section 23(1) which states that:
“Upon the appointment of a person as chief executive officer or senior staff member of a public entity, the board of the entity shall require him or her to enter into a written performance contract with the board, in accordance with this section”.
The contracts align individual and collective efforts with the university’s broader strategic objectives, including the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the ZOU Strategic Plan (2021-2025).
ZOU Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Gundani addresses senior managers on the critical role of performance contracts
In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor emphasized the critical role of performance contracts in shaping the institution’s future.
“These contracts are more than mere documents; they are vital tools that align our individual and collective efforts with our broader strategic objectives, including the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and our own ZOU Strategic Plan (2021-2025),” he said.
The Performance Contracts are drawn from the institution’s strategic plan document that is designed in an Integrated Results Based Management and designed to (i) Align with national goals: Contribute to the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the nation’s vision for transformation and sustainable development; (ii) Strategically align with ZOU’s objectives: Enhance the institution’s capacity in fulfilling its mandate as an Open and Distance electronic Learning (ODeL) institution, (iii) Foster accountability and transparency: Hold senior managers responsible for their performance and promote a transparent environment and (iv) Encourage continuous improvement: Provide a framework for ongoing evaluation, reflection, and innovation.
The Vice Chancellor urged senior managers to approach these contracts with a strong sense of purpose and collaboration, recognizing the valuable contributions each makes towards the shared vision.
The signing of performance contracts demonstrates ZOU’s commitment to excellence, accountability, and transparency. As the institution moves forward, it is poised to make significant contributions to the development of Zimbabwe and the region.
The signing ceremony in Pictures
