Secretaries anchor public service delivery

Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
SECRETARIES and executive assistants in the Public Service have been challenged to continue executing their duties with professionalism, diligence and integrity, with Government recognising their pivotal role in ensuring the smooth functioning of public institutions.Speaking during the Public Service Secretaries’ Day commemorations in Nyanga yesterday (Thursday), Secretary to Service Commissions, Mrs Sibusisiwe Zembe, said secretaries and executive assistants are indispensable to the effective operation of Government and the successful execution of public policy.
The event brought together 90 secretaries and executive assistants drawn from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) across Government.
Mrs Zembe said although much of their work takes place behind the scenes, it remains central to efficient service delivery and institutional effectiveness.
“Much of what makes an institution work is seldom seen from the podium. It is found in the precision of diary management, the discipline of correspondence, the integrity of records, the anticipation of what must be done next and the quiet coordination that enables leadership to lead.
“In these and many other ways, secretaries and executive assistants form the indispensable connective tissue of Government, turning intentions into order, decisions into action and offices into functioning institutions,” she said.
She said through professionalism, discretion, diligence and attention to detail, secretaries provide the continuity and coordination required for Government offices to remain responsive, purposeful and efficient.
“Much of this contribution occurs beyond the public gaze, yet it is this quiet precision that enables ministers, senior Government officials and public institutions to translate decisions into organised action and ultimately deliver results to citizens,” she said.
Mrs Zembe said Government values the profession and will continue investing in capacity-building initiatives to ensure secretaries remain equipped to meet evolving workplace demands.
She noted that several executive assistants have already benefited from specialised training programmes, including the Executive Assistant Development Course as well as courses in diplomacy, protocol, etiquette, grooming and deportment.
“The Public Service Commission’s commitment to this profession is reflected, not only in recognition, but also in deliberate investment in its capabilities,” she said.
Mrs Zembe urged secretaries and executive assistants to embrace change and continuously upgrade their skills as the workplace is being transformed by rapid technological advancement and digitalisation. “We are operating in an environment being reshaped by technological innovation, digital transformation and increasingly dynamic workplace demands. The secretary and executive assistant of today can no longer be defined solely by traditional office administration functions,” she said.
“The modern professional must be adaptable, digitally competent, innovative and discerning in judgment, while remaining committed to lifelong learning. To remain relevant is no longer about keeping pace with change; it is about anticipating it and turning it into an opportunity for greater institutional value.”
She said professional development was now an essential requirement for strengthening institutional effectiveness and preparing administrative professionals for the demands of the future.
Head of Human Capital Development and Management, Mr Walter Mpandawana, underscored the critical role played by secretaries in the implementation of national development programmes.
He said as Government accelerates the attainment of Vision 2030, the contribution of skilled and technologically proficient secretaries and executive assistants will become even more important.
“The success of our development agenda depends on a future-ready workforce that is well-equipped, adaptable and confident in navigating emerging technologies,” said Mr Mpandawana.
He urged participants to take full advantage of training opportunities and continuously sharpen their skills to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving public service environment.