Online Reporter
Ryan Sibanda [email protected]
THE Public Service Commission (PSC) has launched a nationwide capacity-building programme to equip civil servants with critical knowledge on pension reforms, payroll systems and retirement planning as Government accelerates public service modernisation under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The programme, which began in Bulawayo on Monday, seeks to improve understanding of pension processes, strengthen retirement preparedness and enhance service delivery across the public sector.
Officially opening the training, PSC secretary, Mrs Sibusisiwe Zembe said an informed and professional public service was essential to national development.
She said the initiative is anchored on Sections 202 and 203 of the Constitution, which require the State to maintain an efficient, accountable and professional public service.
“This campaign is vital to bridging the knowledge gap on pension rules and benefits. The responsibility of planning for retirement falls squarely on civil servants, yet incomplete applications continue to overwhelm pensions, payroll and human resources departments,” said Mrs Zembe.
She said the outreach programme would also provide Government with valuable feedback from public servants to improve existing systems and rebuild confidence in pension administration.
Mrs Zembe said the initiative supports Vision 2030 by strengthening human capital within the public service.
“Every step we take brings us closer to a prosperous Zimbabwe where every citizen enjoys an improved quality of life. This is a collective journey, and we invite all stakeholders to engage honestly,” she said.
Running until July 15, the campaign is expected to inform long-term public service reforms, with digital innovations such as the Government Payroll Integrated Management and Payroll System (GovPay IMPPS) playing a central role in improving efficiency, transparency and accountability.
The three-day seminar brought together experts from the PSC’s human capital development and management, pay and benefits management, strategic planning and programme management departments.
Representatives from the Public Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) and the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) also participated, providing guidance on issues including the recent Government job evaluation exercise, grade restructuring, pension age adjustments and rebate entitlements.
Participants welcomed the programme, saying it would help them better understand recent changes in public service policies.
A human resources officer in the Ministry of Defence, Mr Daniel Meveva, said the training would provide clarity on key reforms affecting civil servants.
“We expect to learn how jobs have been structured in a new way, and the reasoning behind the increased retirement age,” he said.
Presentations during the seminar covered talent management, the GovPay IMPPS platform for pension processing, non-monetary employee benefits such as transport and medical aid, occupational safety and health, and financial planning for retirement.
