23 June 2021

                                                         Victoria Falls, Republic of Zimbabwe

                                                  Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security 

                                (DPAPS)

• Prof. Paul. Mavima, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare of the Republic of Zimbabwe;
• Honourable Richard Moyo, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs;
• Ministers of the Republic of Zimbabwe here present;
• V. Hungwe, Chairman of Zimbabwe Service Commissions
• Remarks by Hon. Senzo Mchunu, Minister for Public Service and Administration, of the Republic of South Africa and Chairperson of the Conference of State parties to the African Charter on Values of Principles of Public Service and Administration,
• Representative of Hon. Deogratius John Ndejembi, Deputy Minister or President's Office, Public Service Management and Good Governance of Tanzania, and Chairperson of the AU-STC8 Sub Committee on Public Service and Administration
• Excellencies Ambasssadors from Namibia and Rwanda
• Head of delegation from Kenya;
• Representatives of AAPAM and AMDIN;
• Distinguished participants;
• Ladies and Gentlemen

On behalf of H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, I have the honor to make these closing remarks at this successful conclusion of the commemoration of the 8^th Edition of Africa Public Service Day.

Allow me on the onset to thank all delegations from APSD Champion Countries who have made it possible through their active participation to this Commemoration.

Your participation to this event during the past three days exemplifies the importance you attach to the Africa Public Service Day as an opportunity to encourage and motivate Civil

 Servants to continue the good work done whilst coming up with new initiatives and innovations of delivering services to the citizens.

This successful organization of the 8th edition of the Continental Commemoration of the Africa Public Service, has shown the commitment the government and the people of Zimbabwe in battling with the scourge of the Corona virus. On this note, on behalf of the African union Commission I wish to express our profound gratitude to our host, the Government and people of Zimbabwe for their support and warm hospitality extended to us since our arrival in this attractive and amazing city of Victoria Falls.

We remain grateful and proud of the commitment of Zimbabwe in hosting successfully this important event.

Also, special thanks to our partners, AAPAM and AMDIN for supporting the organization of this event.

Excellencies

Distinguished participants;

Ladies and Gentlemen

As we have come to the end of the 8^th Commemoration of the APSD, I am delighted with the quality of the debate and rich contribution from panelists, and participants following the different presentations made by the speakers and, but above all with the relevance of the recommendations made in the Draft Declaration of the 2021 adopted by ministers.

Our deliberations over the past three days have covered a wide range of topics and concerns, and our expectations for this eighth edition of the Africa Public Service Day have been well met because in the exchanges that followed the presentations on the main theme and on the sub-themes, you, the participants, in an atmosphere of sharing and conviviality, have identified real problems and proposed practical recommendations among others issues:

• The acknowledgment of the negative effects that the pandemic had caused on public service delivery and paid tribute to public servants who continued service delivery during the pandemic at great risk,

• The need to recognize and reward performance, noting that a disgruntled employee cannot be productive, and appreciated the role frontline workers played and continue to play in the fight against COVID-19,

• The need to should be formulated and implemented deliberate policies to promote diversity and creativity in public administration,

• The need to consider cultural diversity as a deterrent to unethical tendencies such as corruption and rent seeking that is witnessed in the public sector

• Recognition of the Substantial benefit derived from digitalization to enhance service delivery continuity and recovery during the Covid19 pandemic

• Call upon Government to invest more resources in ICT

• The need for policies that promotes inclusivity tolerance to advance and celebrate the rich African diversity whilst subscribing to unified values

We also learnt much during Hon. Senzo Mchunu, Minister for Public Service and Administration, Republic of South Africa, contribution made on the second day. His presentation highlighted some key recommendations among other issues:

• The need to strengthen public services in Africa as critical for facilitation of healthy communities, to set parameters of accountability and citizen engagement, job creation, and design frameworks for development and growth,
• The need to encourage modernization and public sector reforms that reinforces professional and ethical values as guided by the African Charter on values and principles for public administration,

Excellencies

Distinguished participants;

Ladies and Gentlemen

As I conclude, let me congratulate Hon. Prof. Paul. Mavima, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare of the Republic of Zimbabwe for the successful organization of this event.

I would also like to congratulate Kenya and Zimbabwe for the exhibition of their public service innovation projects which I am sure could be replicated in other member states of the African Union as model.

Our thanks also go to the national organizing committee of this eighth session of the APSD as well as the interpreters and translators for their contribution in making this event a success.

Once again, thank you to you all for your participation and contributions.

I wish you journey mercies as you return to your respective destinations.

I thank you all