Govt issues chilling threats against civil servants after Geza work boycott call
By Nkosana Dlamini
The government has issued a chilling threat against civil servants who fail to report to work on Tuesday and Wednesday following calls for a stayaway by firebrand war veteran and anti-Mnangagwa campaigner Blessed Geza.
In a statement on Monday, the Public Service Commission (PSC) warned public service workers that failure to report for work on the mentioned days “constitutes a dereliction of duty and an act of insubordination”.
“Such actions are unpatriotic, undermine national unity, damage the economy, and hinder the collective progress of the nation. The Public Service Commission will not tolerate any conduct that threatens the stability and functionality of public institutions,” PSC said.
Geza, a fierce campaigner against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s bid for an unconstitutional third term, on Sunday called for a national stayaway for Tuesday and Wednesday saying this was part of a strategy to force the Zimbabwe incumbent out of power.
He returned on Monday to further call for an indefinite national shutdown until Mnangagwa resigns.
The expelled Zanu PF politician, who accuses Mnangagwa of poor leadership and harbouring corrupt elements who have bled the country of its resources, described his call as “the final push” against the 82-year-old leader.
Geza alleged that the president is no longer fit to govern due to what he claimed is “vascular dementia”.
He accused unelected individuals of making critical national decisions at private meetings held at Mnangagwa’s farm.
READ PSC FULL STATEMENT BELOW
ON CALLS TO STAY AWAY FROM WORK ON 22 AND 23 APRIL 2025
The Public Service Commission (PSC) notes with concern recent incitements circulating on various platforms, encouraging Public Servants and other citizens to stay away from work or abstain from regular activities on 22 and 23 April 2025.
The Commission is confident that Public Servants, who are committed, disciplined, and fully aware of their responsibilities, will not be misled by such reckless and disruptive incitements. Public Servants are reminded that their core mandate is to serve the people of Zimbabwe faithfully, diligently, and without interruption. The work carried out by the Public Service is vital to the delivery of essential services and the advancement of our national development aspirations, as outlined in Vision 2030.
Participation in any stay-away that disrupts service delivery constitutes a dereliction of duty and an act of insubordination. Such actions are unpatriotic, undermine national unity, damage the economy, and hinder the collective progress of the nation. The Public Service Commission will not tolerate any conduct that threatens the stability and functionality of public institutions.
Accordingly, the Public Service Commission wishes to clarify that Tuesday, 22 April 2025, and Wednesday, 23 April 2025, are normal working days. All Public Servants, except those on duly authorised leave, are expected to report for duty at their designated work stations, observe normal working hours, and, where necessary, work beyond official hours in fulfilment of their duties.
Accounting Officers are hereby instructed to ensure that attendance registers are completed for their Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, including devolved structures. Commission Inspectors will collect these registers at the usual time each day for purposes of enforcing appropriate Public Service regulations without delay.
The Commission expects all Public Servants to continue discharging their responsibilities with characteristic commitment, professionalism, and loyalty to the Republic of Zimbabwe. Together, let us uphold the dignity of the Public Service and contribute meaningfully towards building a prosperous, resilient, and united Zimbabwe.
