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Willie Chinyamurindi
Herald Correspondent
I was deeply moved by a heart-warming story in the Christmas edition of The Herald, which highlighted the remarkable actions of Inspector Siphilisiwe Mushore, an Officer-in-Charge at Matapi Police Station.
Her heroic act of assisting a woman in labour, leading to the safe birth of a baby girl, serves as a powerful reminder of the everyday heroes working within Zimbabwe’s civil service.
For lack of a better term, I refer to such individuals as our “superheroes.”
Insp Mushore’s story not only underscores her professionalism but also reflects the overall state of civil service work in Zimbabwe.
It is crucial to recognise the resilience, commitment, and dedication of civil servants who sometimes operate under challenging conditions.
Her actions epitomise what it means to be a civil servant—a “superheroine” in uniform, tirelessly working for the greater good.
Civil servants like Insp Mushore are often unsung heroes, working behind the scenes to ensure the well-being and security of their communities.
In many African countries Zimbabwe included, civil servants face some challenges that impede their ability to deliver quality services.
It is essential for civil service organisations to prioritise the well-being and safety of their workers, creating environments that support them in their roles.
Our research advocates for a “decent work agenda” for civil servants, which includes safe working conditions, access to healthcare, fair compensation, and adequate rest periods. Scholars have supported this agenda as a means to enhance civil servants’ capacity to deliver better services.
Insp Mushore’s actions illustrate the potential of civil servants who serve their communities with great dedication and compassion.
Another important lesson from Insp Mushore’s story is the need to shift societal perceptions of civil servants.
Often, they are stereotyped as lazy or self-interested individuals motivated solely by personal gain.
Such stereotypes contribute to a deep-seated mistrust between the public and civil service, undermining the essential work these institutions do.
Insp Mushore’s selfless act challenges these negative perceptions.
Her actions speak volumes about the dedication existing within the civil service.
Recognising that the majority of civil servants, like Insp Mushore, genuinely care about their communities should prompt a collective rethinking of our attitudes towards civil service.
Instead of focusing on negative aspects, we should celebrate those who go above and beyond their responsibilities.
Such recognition can help bridge the trust deficit between citizens and public servants.
By acknowledging their efforts, we can begin to rebuild faith in public institutions and foster a spirit of partnership between Government and the people.
Moreover, the private sector and broader community must recognise and support the hard work of civil servants.
Corporations, in particular, have a key role in providing recognition, incentives, and resources that encourage exceptional service delivery.
A national award acknowledging civil servants like Insp Mushore could provide much-needed morale boosts and incentivise others to emulate her behaviour.
Long-term programmes fostering a culture of excellence within the civil service are also vital.
Initiatives promoting citizenship behaviours, such as voluntary community service and employee wellness programmes, would nurture a public service ethos rooted in selflessness, responsibility, and respect for others.
Research indicates that when civil servants are socially and institutionally supported, they are more likely to exhibit behaviours benefiting society as a whole.
Incorporating legislative instruments and international imperatives is critical for improving civil service conditions.
The Labour Act and the Public Service Act in Zimbabwe aim to enhance the working conditions, rights, and protections of public servants.
These frameworks can be strengthened to provide civil servants with the necessary tools and resources to excel in their roles.
Moreover, as a signatory to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, Zimbabwe emphasises the importance of good governance and public service delivery.
Aligning civil service improvement with this vision is essential for achieving sustainable development and governance.
Zimbabwe’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8 on “decent work and economic growth” and Goal 16 on “peace, justice, and strong institutions,” aligns with the necessity of enhancing civil servants’ working conditions and promoting ethical governance.
Insp Mushore’s story is a powerful reminder of the dedication and selflessness within Zimbabwe’s civil service.
To ensure the emergence of more individuals like her, we must prioritise the well-being of public servants, challenge negative stereotypes, and provide institutional and corporate support to foster a culture of excellence.
By aligning efforts with national policies and international frameworks, we can create a civil service that not only meets the needs of today’s citizens but also contributes to broader sustainable development goals.
Willie Chinyamurindi is a professor in the Department of Applied Management, Administration, and Ethical Leadership at the University of Fort Hare in South Africa. He writes in his personal capacity.
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