By Cuthbert Mashoko
Civil servants from across government line ministries based at Rutenga Growth Point and surrounding areas gathered for a mini engagement workshop conducted by the Public Service Commission.
The engagement meeting by the Public Service Commission was held at Rutenga Primary School on July 10.
The workshop which centred on Behavioral Alignment/Discipline and Wellness was a resounding success and attracted a large turnout of civil servants who filled the boardroom at Rutenga Primary to the brim, with many others left to follow proceedings outside.
The guest of honor, Mwenezi administration officer Mark Masiya hailed Public Service Commission officials for visiting Mwenezi and conducting workshops that are key in capacity building. “l am humbled by this gesture by the Public Service Commission. These workshops are a platform to enhance our skills, knowledge and best practices as the nation journeys towards the realisation of Vision 2030,” noted Masiya.
Mwenezi District, Public Service Commission human resources officer, Last Gondo welcomed the different heads of departments and civil servants who gathered for the workshop; “With me here are officials from the Public Service Commission head office. Our mission is to get to all corners of the district as we interact with civil servants, conscientizing them on the expected code of conduct by the employer, which is the Public Service Commission. We are leaving no place and no one behind. We were in Sovelele, Maranda and we have already covered the Neshuro area,” said Gondo
The host head, Tenson Mukapa welcomed the guests, ” On behalf of Rutenga Primary School, we are humbled to host an event of this magnitude which is a learning phase to all of us as we interact with our employer. ” echoed Mukapa.
Ngonidzashe Mangezi, behavioral alignment officer took the audience through the principles of natural justice and disciplinary procedures, highlighting that the Commission is after promoting fairness and justice at the work place and respecting the rights of its employees. Disciplinary procedures are there to foster fairness and justice. They should not be abused to haunt or punish innocent souls,” explained Mangezi.
Bongayi Mundeta, a behavioral alignment officer as well zeroed on the acts of misconduct, emphasizing that it is important for civil servants to understand the causes of such things.
Stress, lack of knowledge and ignorance were identified as some of the drivers of acts of misconduct. “It is key that heads of departments and their subordinates understand the causes of acts of misconduct, so that you know how to treat the cases as they come by, charging someone should be the last resort” noted Mundeta.
Rutendo Pundo, Public Service Commission occupational psychologist stressed the importance of mental wellness bemoaning the high rate of suicidal cases among civil servants. “A health mind is a health body, l encourage you to be your brother’s keeper at your workplace. Let’s open up if we have problems. A problem shared is half solved” shared Pundo.
The workshop was made interesting given the high levels of interaction between the facilitators and participants. The Public Service workshops are geared to enhance efficiency.
