Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE Government through the Public Service Commission is introducing a mental health policy to address rising issues of drug and substance abuse which is also affecting civil servants so that efficient service delivery to members of the public is not compromised.
Speaking during a question and answer session during a public lecture held at Africa University last week, Public Service Commission general manager (talent management), Mrs Grace Hungwe, said the envisaged policy will address how the Commission will handle mental health issues among its employees.
“The issue of drug and substance abuse has become international as all countries are concerned about mental health issues. The issue of drug and substance abuse is leading to mental health issues. At the moment, we are at drafting stage where we are developing a mental health policy that covers civil servants within the public service.
“As of now, we have activities we are carrying out such as awareness campaigns to try and engage our workers on the challenges that they face in their line of work. We have introduced departments of gender mainstreaming and inclusivity which are headed by directors, and among these teams, we are looking for occupational psychologists who will handle mental health issues which are increasing on a daily basis. These structures we have put in line ministries will assist by engaging with our workers,” she said.
Mrs Hungwe further revealed that the Commission is implementing the attraction and retention policy to keep vital skilled employees working for the Government especially in the information and technology areas where the new Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged causing a lot of disruptions.
“Within the Government, we have a skills attraction and retention fund that is earmarked for skills that are critical within Government. Information, Communication and Technology skills are among critical skills, and individuals within areas experiencing skills shortages, besides being paid their ordinary remuneration, they are also paid an extra percentage to try and keep them within Zimbabwe.
“Government is having engagements with universities in identifying gaps within the public service, and try to influence them (universities) to bring up programmes that are lacking in Government. If we find out that we do not have experts in Artificial Intelligence, we engage universities to have special programmes that are targeted for AI,” she said.
Zimbabwe Rural Teachers union president, Mr Martin Chaburumunda, said a number of employees are resorting to drugs as a solace to a plethora of stress related challenges emanating from both the workplace and homes.
“The issue of mental health should be addressed urgently as a number of people are affected. People are going through a lot in their lives which end up affecting them mentally. Professionals like civil servants are not spared either.
‘‘Due to mental health issues, workplaces sometimes end up being septic, thereby affecting service delivery.
“Some are resorting to cheap, but highly intoxicating illicit brews to drown their sorrows. Suicide cases are also on the increase among the professionals. There is need to set up proper support systems at workplaces so that the working environment is conducive to all employees. Low remuneration is also linked to stress as employees struggle or fail to provide for their families,” he said.
