Section 204: Ambassadors and other principal representatives of Zimbabwe
Constitution of Zimbabwe
The President may appoint persons to be ambassadors or other principal representatives of Zimbabwe in other countries or to be accredited to international organisations and may, at any time, remove those persons from their posts. 204A Chief Secretary to Office of President and Cabinet
(1) The Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet and his or her deputies are appointed by the President after consultation with the Public Service Commission.
(2) The Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet is the most senior member of the Public Service, and Permanent Secretaries of ministries appointed in terms of section 205 shall report to the Chief Secretary on any matter affecting them as a class.
(3) The terms of office and conditions of service of the Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet and his or her deputies shall be as fixed by the President.
[Section inserted by s. 15 of Act No. 2 of 2021]
Insight on Ambassadorial Appointments and Chief Secretary Role:
These provisions establish two key executive functions in Zimbabwe's governance structure. The President holds complete discretion over diplomatic appointments, allowing flexible international representation without legislative approval. Meanwhile, the 2021 amendment formally establishes the Chief Secretary as the highest-ranking civil servant, creating a clear hierarchy within the public service. This position serves as the crucial link between the political leadership and the administrative machinery of government, with the President maintaining significant control over the position's terms and conditions.