ZIMBABWE
A crackdown by the Zimbabwe Public Service Commission (PSC) has reduced non-performance and absenteeism in Public Service Departments, the Commission claims.
Secretary of the PSC, Jonathan Wuta-wunashe (pictured) said unannounced visits to workplaces were meant to ensure both efficiency and service delivery.
“Feedback on attendance has been good and the enthusiastic uptake of their duties gives an encouraging indication of Civil Servants’ commitment to their work,” Mr Wuta-wunashe said.
“When arbitrary hikes in transport fares emerged as a threat, the Government has moved swiftly to offer transport at affordable cost and took the initiative to expand the number and coverage of Public Service buses.”
However, union officials say the crackdown will only have a lasting effect if workers are continually supported financially.
President of the Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association, Richard Gundane said his union had been “raising a red flag with regards to the rising prices of goods”.
His comments came as the Government announced that PS employees would receive a salary increase — their third raise this year.
The Government is seeking to placate a restive Public Service, which is constantly threatening to down tools, citing relentless price increases for basic commodities and their inability to afford to travel to and from work.
Prices of basic goods and services have been going up continually over the past several months, causing agitation between employers and workers.
This means the value of previous adjustments, in April and July, have been quickly wiped out, sometimes within days of them being received.
Harare, 3 November 2019
