Online Reporter
Farirai Machivenyika
Senior Reporter
The formation of the SADC Public Service Commissions Forum last year offers a platform for formal collaboration between member states on various issues related to their mandates and enhances regional integration, Public Services Commission chairman Dr Vincent Hungwe has said.
Dr Hungwe made these remarks, read on his behalf by PSC deputy chairperson Dr Nomathemba Ndiweni, during a meeting with an Eswatini delegation on a benchmarking visit to the country’s parliamentary and public service management systems.
“This Forum represents more than an institutional milestone — it is a generational achievement rooted in a shared vision for regional transformation.
“It offers a vital platform for contextualised collaboration, structured dialogue and the systematic exchange of knowledge across our sister nations.
“Significantly, the formation of the Forum is now being followed by ongoing efforts to integrate it into the formal structures of SADC.
“This integration is key to providing the Forum with the necessary impetus and institutional traction to influence the trajectory of public service reform, ultimately enhancing service delivery to African citizens not only within the region but across the continent,” he said.
He added that the Forum also offered a platform through which they could contribute to regional development in a manner that is distinctly African, attuned to its realities and responsive to the people’s needs.
“The purpose of your visit to understand our mandate, operational frameworks and organisational structures is both timely and valuable.
“As nations committed to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring effective parliamentary service delivery, such exchanges foster mutual learning, promote best practices and deepen our shared commitment to good governance,” he said.
Dr Hungwe stated that Zimbabwe’s PSC operations were structured to promote efficiency and accountability, operating through specialised departments dedicated to human resources development and management, strategic policy formulation, investments, training and development, and service delivery.
“The Commission collaborates closely with parliamentary committees, the Speaker’s Office and other stakeholders to align our operations with the constitutional and legislative frameworks governing parliamentary service,” Dr Hungwe added.
The PSC chairman said they had also established clear standards and procedures for staff recruitment, performance management, payroll and pension management and training, which were designed to enhance the capacity of parliamentary staff to support the legislature effectively.
“Technology and innovation (ICT digitalisation and modernisation) play a pivotal role in our operations, facilitating streamlined workflows and improved service delivery,” he said.
The head of the Eswatini delegation and Speaker of its House of Assembly, Mr Jabulani Mabuza, thanked the PSC for offering them an opportunity to learn.
“The purpose of this benchmarking visit is to learn and understand how the PSC of Zimbabwe relates to other constitutional bodies, sector service commissions and general ministries and departments with regard to recruitment, promotions, transfers, deployments, secondments, performance management, supervision and discipline as well as delegation of powers,” Mr Mabuza said.
