Harare, (New Ziana) –In a move aimed at promoting openness and accountability in government institutions, the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) on Thursday launched the Transparency Awards, an annual initiative aimed at recognizing public entities that demonstrate exceptional openness and honesty in their operations.
The prestigious Public Sector Transparency Awards ceremonies, set to be held every May Day, seek to inspire public sector workers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, diligence, and openness in service delivery.
Speaking at the launch event in Harare, ZCPSTU secretary general David Dzatsunga emphasized the critical role of transparency in rebuilding public trust and improving governance.
“I am hopeful that this will mark the opening up of transparency at work within the public sector. For far too long, opacity has been normalised. Today, we say no more. We are shining a light on those who lead with integrity and urging others to follow suit.”
He called on public institutions to see transparency not as a burden, but as a pillar of effective governance that empowers citizens and builds trust.
“When public servants open up about how resources are used and how decisions are made, they build bridges with the communities they serve. These bridges are what transform the civil service from a bureaucracy into a genuine force for development.”
Dzatsunga also challenged the government to ensure that transparency does not end with awards and speeches, but is institutionalised through policy and legislative reform.
“Let this not be a symbolic gesture. We need robust systems to sustain this momentum,” he said.
The awards will evaluate public sector institutions across various categories, including citizen engagement, ethical leadership, and innovation in public service delivery.
A panel of independent assessors, including representatives from labour unions, academia, civil society, and the Auditor General’s Office, will oversee the selection process.
New Ziana
