Government reaffirms commitment to civil servants’ welfare

Freedom Mupanedemo, Midlands Bureau
PUBLIC Service, Labour, and Social Welfare Minister, July Moyo, has reiterated Government’s unwavering commitment to prioritising the well-being of civil servants in recognition of the importance of promoting their good mental and physical health.

He made the remarks while addressing delegates, and participants from the different Government ministries attending the Inter-Ministerial Sports Festival at Mkoba Teachers College in Gweru on Wednesday.

Minister Moyo said the event epitomises the Government’s collective commitment to the health and well-being of the workforce.

“It is more than just a festival. It is a vibrant celebration of life, health, tradition, and progress. As the Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare, I am honoured to underscore our Government’s unwavering dedication to prioritising the well-being of our civil service across all ministries,” he said.

Minister Moyo acknowledged the steps taken in establishing stand-alone departments in ministries focused solely on wellness. He said the departments are fundamental in promoting a balanced lifestyle, crucially blending work and play, ultimately fostering mental acuity and physical strength.

“We acknowledge the profound impact physical activity has on mental well-being, an aspect well-documented by numerous studies. I want to highlight that regular physical activity can reduce depression and anxiety by up to 30 percent, a statistic that cannot be ignored,” he said. “Let us not forget the importance of balancing work and health. In today’s rapidly evolving work environment, balancing these two aspects remains a critical challenge.

“Astonishingly, statistics show that 82 percent of employees report experiencing stress at work, while only 60 percent engage in regular physical activities. This imbalance affects productivity and overall well-being, necessitating immediate action from all sectors,” Moyo said.

In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG Goal three focused on good health and well-being, and the broader Agenda 2030, he said the Government is deeply committed to creating environments that promote health, both mental and physical.

“Today, we have the honour of commissioning a state-of-the-art sports facility at Mkoba Teachers College. This facility will serve as a beacon of our dedication to fostering environments conducive to athletic engagement and community building,” said the minister.

“It stands as a testament to our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders who are healthy and holistically developed.

“Moreover, we take today as an opportunity to pay homage to our cultural roots through sessions such as ‘The Nharire Yomusha’ and the National Fabric Fashion Show.”

He said the events are more than cultural displays as they are a celebration of the shared history and traditions, beautifully showcased through music, dance, and storytelling.

“Just as our ancestors danced and sang to forge unity, we too embrace these art forms to draw strength and camaraderie among us. Let us carry forth the joy of this festival, inspired by stories and rich traditions, to infuse our daily lives with the enthusiasm and resilience they embody.

“Sports, like our culture, unites us, transcending boundaries, and forging bonds stronger than any differences,” said Minister Moyo.

He said the cultural events complement the comprehensive programmes spearheaded by the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa who has been instrumental in promoting the consumption of local traditional foods. Her initiatives are not only preserving the cultural heritage but are significantly contributing to the national health.

“Eating traditional, nutrient-rich spex foods is vital in combating lifestyle diseases that have been on the rise. With a balanced diet, we can effectively reduce the prevalence of such illnesses by nearly 20 percent,” said Minister Moyo.

“Our focus is clear, to ensure that Government employees are not just workers, but dynamic individuals with full, enriching lives. Through these initiatives, we aim to set a global standard in promoting sustainable work-life balance while encouraging a culture of wellness that is deeply intertwined with our cultural identity,” he added.

In a speech read on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Nicholas Moyo, Acting Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Kazembe Kazembe, said the festival was a celebration not only of athletic prowess but also of the collaboration across various Government ministries dedicated to promoting fitness and wellness, health, teamwork, and resilience within the civil service.

“As we gather here today, let us take a moment to reflect on the tremendous power of sport and recreation. It transcends barriers, brings people together, and teaches us invaluable lessons about perseverance and discipline,” he said.

Minister Kazembe said the festival was an initiative that underscores the Government’s commitment to fostering physical activity and encouraging a healthy lifestyle among all citizens.

“Sports play a vital role in promoting social cohesion, enhancing well-being, and stimulating economic development. Our shared objective is to create an environment where every individual, regardless of age or background, can access opportunities to engage in sports and physical activities,” he said.