PurposeThe purpose of the study is to establish the relationship between public health sector performance (PHSP), fleet management system, perceived service quality (PSQ) and management style (MS).Design/methodology/approachA total of 260 managerial employees were randomly selected from 5 major public hospitals in Zimbabwe to participate in this cross-sectional survey.FindingsFleet management system was found to positively influence both PSQ and PHSP. The results indicated that PSQ has a positive effect on PHSP. MS was found to moderate the effect of fleet management system on both PSQ and PHSP.Originality/valueThe current study provides fresh insights and validates extant knowledge on PHSP, fleet management and PSQ within the public health sector departments. It extends further knowledge on the public health performance in the Sub-Saharan region, as it shows that dimensions on fleet management have a direct influence on PHSP.