Story by Tamuka Charakupa
GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its commitment to building an efficient, innovative and citizen-centred public service, as Zimbabwe joined other African nations in commemorating Africa Public Service Day at Chinhoyi University of Technology on Tuesday.
The commemorations brought together government ministries, departments and agencies, which mounted exhibitions showcasing programmes and services aimed at improving livelihoods while providing citizens with direct access to public service providers.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable Mercy Dinha said Zimbabwe must transform its public service to remain competitive and responsive to citizens’ needs.
“If we are to develop as Zimbabwe and compete effectively in the global village, we must continuously redefine our public service from reactive to proactive, from bureaucratic to people-centred, from conservative to innovative. It can no longer be business as usual,” she said.
Honourable Dinha called for a shift towards excellence, greater adoption of digital technologies and stronger partnerships across sectors.
“I therefore call for a mindset shift, from entitlement and toward excellence; digital transformation integrating e-governance, data-driven delivery and smart water management systems; and capacity strengthening through investing in our institutions and our people. In this regard, I invite civil society, development partners and the private sector to walk with us. Let us build together through partnerships, co-financing and shared accountability,” she said.
Senior government officials said legislative and institutional reforms remain critical to improving governance and accelerating development.
Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti, said the successful implementation of devolution requires urgent alignment of key legislation.
“For devolution to achieve its intended objectives and strengthen the whole-of-government approach, there is an urgent need to align and enact key pieces of legislation. These include the Devolution Act, Provincial and Metropolitan Councils legislation, Local Authorities laws, Parliamentary coordination frameworks, district-level governance structures, and provisions defining the roles of the Ministry of Local Government and traditional leaders,” he said.
“Such reforms will provide clarity on functions, improve coordination across all tiers of government, and support a bottom-up planning approach that places communities at the centre of development.”
Public Service Commission Deputy Chairperson Dr Nomathemba Ndiweni-Masuku said efforts were underway to build a professional and results-oriented public service capable of meeting citizens’ expectations.
“The Public Service Commission remains committed to fostering a professional, ethical and results-oriented public service that responds effectively to the needs of citizens. Through continuous capacity building, digital transformation and adherence to public service values, we are strengthening service delivery across all sectors,” she said.
“Our focus is on building a competent and motivated workforce that embraces innovation, accountability and excellence as we contribute towards the attainment of Vision 2030 and ensure that quality public services reach every community in the country.”
Permanent Secretary for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Josphat Jaji said this year’s commemorations highlighted innovation, professionalism and citizen-centred service delivery.
Africa Public Service Day is observed annually across the continent to recognise the contribution of public servants to national development while promoting excellence, transparency and accountability in public administration.
