Section 205: Permanent Secretaries
Constitution of Zimbabwe
(1) Permanent Secretaries of Ministries are appointed by the President after consultation with the Public Service Commission.
[Subsection amended by s. 25 of Act No. 2 of 2021]
(2) The term of office of a Permanent Secretary is a period of up to five years, and is renewable once only subject to competence, performance and delivery.
CHAPTER 11
SECURITY SERVICES
PART 1
G ENERAL P ROVISIONS
Insight on Permanent Secretaries
This provision establishes a key governance check by limiting how long someone can serve as a Permanent Secretary (maximum of two 5-year terms). This promotes fresh leadership and prevents entrenchment of bureaucratic power, while the renewal requirement based on competence and performance introduces accountability into high-level civil service positions.