Call to make social development core national priority
SAMANTHA MADE
The Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Professor Paul Mavima, has called on Zimbabwe to make social development a central pillar of national growth, stressing that economic progress without social inclusion is incomplete.
Delivering a speech on behalf of Professor Mavima at the launch of the Institute of Social Development Practices (ISDP) in Harare, Director of Skills Analysis, Victor Cheure, said the country must treat social development as a core axis of its development agenda rather than a peripheral issue.
“A nation that grows only in GDP but leaves large portions of its population behind is not truly developed. When citizens are healthy, educated, socially cohesive, resilient, and able to contribute meaningfully, that is when national development becomes sustainable, equitable, and inclusive.
This is why social development must be a core axis, not a peripheral concern,” Mavima said.
He underscored that skills development lies at the heart of both social and economic transformation, identifying emerging competencies such as digital literacy, data analysis, and social innovation as critical to Zimbabwe’s long-term progress.
Mavima also commended the establishment of ISDP, describing it as a milestone for Zimbabwe’s social advancement.
“Your vision, commitment, and hard work have culminated in an institution that will play a vital role in advancing social wellbeing across Zimbabwe,” he said.
The launch of the ISDP brought together key figures from academia, entrepreneurship, and local governance to highlight the growing importance of development practitioners in shaping Zimbabwe’s socio-economic trajectory.
The institute focuses on integrating STEM education with development practices—linking theory, skills, and practical application—to enhance national capacity, improve efficiency, and drive inclusive growth.
ISDP Founder, Petronella Muungani, said the launch marks the start of a renewed drive to empower young people with innovative and entrepreneurial skills that complement academic qualifications.
“It means that government has seen it fit for us to help in tackling unemployment challenges while also ensuring that graduates in the social sciences, arts, and humanities are recognized,” Muungani said.
She added that ISDP’s programs will provide members with opportunities for hands-on training and capacity building designed to improve employability and inspire self-reliance through entrepreneurship.
“By being affiliated with ISDP, members are able to participate in skills training and development programs that enhance employability and strengthen their ability to start their own business ventures,” she said.
