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Joseph Madzimure, Senior Reporter
THE Public Service Commission is committed to excellence in delivering services through strategic planning, modernisation, and a forward-thinking approach, chairperson Dr Vincent Hungwe told a Namibian Public Service Commission delegation in Zimbabwe to share notes and experience.
Dr Hungwe said through collaboration and mutual learning, the two countries can enhance their public service systems for the benefit of their countries.
“We affirm by our coming together today, the kindred attraction that we share, both as a people and as institutions designed to serve our citizens. Your presence here today underscores the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing between our two institutions.
“We are excited to host you and to engage in fruitful discussions on the roles, structures, and systems that define our Public Service Commission. Article 2 (10) of the African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration encourages us to exchange … experiences and best practices and this visit is designed to do just that,” said Dr Hungwe.
The Public Service Commission of Namibia is in Zimbabwe on a working visit.
Dr Hungwe elaborated that the PSC of Zimbabwe was entrusted with ensuring that the civil service operated efficiently, ethically, and effectively, adhering to principles of transparency, meritocracy, and equity.
The PSC’s mandate was not only a guiding framework but a commitment to the people of Zimbabwe, ensuring that public services are delivered with utmost integrity and competence. The PSC was entrusted with the recruitment, development, and management of human resources in the public sector.
“Our mandate is to create a competent, professional, and motivated public service that can efficiently deliver services to the citizens of Zimbabwe. The PSC’s scope extends to ensuring adherence to ethical standards, promoting transparency, and fostering an environment conducive to innovation and excellence in public service,” said Dr Hungwe.
The PSC was structured to facilitate seamless governance, encompassing various departments responsible for recruitment, training, development, and performance management.
“Our Strategic Plan 2021-2025, the National Development Strategy 1, and the Constitution of Zimbabwe are the foundational documents that steer our course. These documents ensure that our objectives are clear, our methods are sound, and our goals are achievable.
“We emphasise a robust recruitment process that is both transparent and merit based. Continuous professional development is encouraged through various training programmes, ensuring our workforce remains skilled and adaptive to changing demands,” he said.
Performance management systems were in place to reward excellence and address areas needing improvement, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance. Administrative efficiencies were achieved and maintained through the integration of modern technology and streamlined processes.
“We have embraced digital transformation, moving towards e-governance to enhance service delivery and reduce bureaucracy. This modernisation effort includes the automation of HR processes, electronic document management, and online service platforms that make our operations more efficient and accessible,” he said.
His Namibian counterpart Mr Salmaan Dhameer Jacobs said the two PSCs should have similar systems, facilitate exchange and capacity building programmes in SADC.
“Public Service Commissions have a mammoth task of recruiting and placing people in the structures of Governments, and those tasks are changing, not only for the person being employed, but for the entire system, as service delivery is at stake.
He said Namibia, just like Zimbabwe requires continuous updates and reviewing of its systems and processes as far as the human resource development is concerned
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