Government, civil service find each other

Sunday Mail Reporter

Cases of absenteeism and non-performance by civil servants have markedly declined following the increased frequency of impromptu inspection visits by the Public Service Commission (PSC).

Public service workers’ representatives believe that civil servants are committed to deliver quality services and have to be continuously incentivised by the employer in order to boost morale.

PSC secretary Ambassador Jonathan Wuta-wunashe said unannounced visits to workstations were meant to ensure both efficiency and service delivery.

“Feedback on attendance has been good and the enthusiastic uptake of their duties give an encouraging indication of civil servants’ commitment to their work.

“When arbitrary hikes in transport fares emerged as a threat, Government moved swiftly to offer transport at affordable cost and took the initiative to expand the number and coverage of public service buses,” said Ambassador Wutawunashe.

He said the PSC’s inspectorate had been undertaking inspection visits to Government ministries and departments.

The move is meant to militate against non-attendance, non-performance and unsatisfactory service delivery.

PSC has also reportedly intensified liaisons with accounting officers and human resources departments in Government ministries “to ensure the attainment of shared efficiency and service delivery goals”.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza said Government is constantly engaging workers to create the right environment for efficient service delivery.

“As a new minister, I have the mandate from the President (Emmerson Mnangagwa) to ensure efficiency in performance.

“My engagement style involves the workers. That enables me to measure levels of motivation and identify where we need to improve our service delivery,” she said.

Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (Zimta) president and Apex Council team leader Mr Richard Gundane said Government needs to continue supporting workers financially to enable them to deliver their mandate.

“It is true that the commission has been making unannounced visits to workstations and the results are positive because the workforce is committed to deliver quality public service,” he said.

“Through our engagements with Government, we have raised a red flag with regards to the rising prices of goods.”