AI Will Work With You, Not Replace You — PSC Tells Civil Servants

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has assured civil servants that the Government’s adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not result in job losses, but will instead create new roles through retraining and reassignment.

This assurance was delivered during a public lecture held in Mutare on Tuesday, hosted by the PSC in partnership with Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS).

The event focused on innovation, sustainable development, and employability in Zimbabwe’s public sector.

Fears of job insecurity have been rising among civil servants, particularly following the rollout of the Integrated Modern Payroll and Pension System (IMPPS), known as GOV-PAY.

The system, which digitised payslips for all Government employees, is part of a broader digitalisation agenda aimed at improving efficiency and transparency in public service delivery.

PSC Commissioner Professor Themba Khombe addressed these concerns, stating that the digital shift is not designed to replace workers, but to modernise operations while creating new opportunities.

“We know that automation may render certain individuals redundant. However, we have a strategy in place to retrain those affected by the introduction of technology,” he said.

He clarified that AI systems still rely on human input, especially in digitising the Government’s vast archive of paper records.

“AI cannot function without digitalised records. Therefore, these individuals will be utilised to digitise the vast records held by the service,” he explained.

Professor Khombe went on to highlight the efficiency gains brought by AI, noting that the technology can process and retrieve data in minutes — a task that previously took days or even years.

“Because of this, we do not expect major job losses. Where roles are affected, staff will be reassigned within the service.

“And if retrenchments become unavoidable, appropriate packages will be provided to cushion the impact,” he said.

The PSC’s position is especially significant given the scale of Zimbabwe’s civil service, which employs 172,133 workers.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education accounts for the majority, with 131,768 employees.

Other major ministries include Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development (15,187), Higher and Tertiary Education (4,856), Local Government and Public Works (3,801), and Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage (3,441).

Smaller ministries such as Transport, Women Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and others collectively employ thousands more.

As reported by The ManicaPost, Professor Khombe also addressed the skills gap within the civil service, revealing that Zimbabwe is actively engaging retired professionals in the diaspora to return and contribute to national development.

“We are living in a global community, and competition is no longer limited to Zimbabwe.

“If our nationals possess the competencies that enable them to work for Google or secure high-paying jobs, we know that, as long as we maintain contact with them, they will repatriate remittances to Zimbabwe” he said.

He added that many Zimbabweans abroad — particularly those who retire early in foreign countries are showing interest in returning home.

“We currently have a programme aimed at attracting retired individuals in the Diaspora. In some countries, people retire early, at 55, whereas in Zimbabwe, one can work until the age of 70.

“We are tapping into this resource, encouraging them to bring their knowledge, skills, and technology to enhance our situation,” he said.

To support their return, the PSC is working through embassies and offering incentives such as accommodation and access to pensions.

“Our strategy aims to address these concerns, making it feasible for them to return and contribute to Zimbabwe’s development,” Professor Khombe said.

In addition to diaspora engagement, the PSC is leveraging international scholarship programmes to build technical capacity within the public sector.

“We have been utilising this strategy, bonding students, extensively.

“We encourage our students to take advantage of opportunities provided by countries such as India, China, Russia, and others, where they can pursue courses in various technical fields,” he said.

He concluded by noting that returning graduates are bonded to serve the country for one to two years, helping to close critical skills gaps.

“We do not discourage individuals from acquiring qualifications abroad, as it ultimately benefits Zimbabwe,” he said.

The public lecture was held under the theme:

“Empowering Future Innovators: Harnessing Modern Science, Sustainable Development and Employability in Zimbabwe.”

-Manicapost