HARARE — The Public Service Commission (PSC) has instructed government ministries, departments and agencies to exercise flexibility in managing staff attendance on Friday as Zimbabwe braces for planned demonstrations and stay-away actions.
In an internal memorandum dated July 29, the PSC said it was aware of reports of planned public demonstrations across the country on July 31 and acknowledged that the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to demonstrate peacefully.
“In view of the anticipated disruptions to transport and public movement, ministries, departments and agencies are advised to exercise reasonable flexibility in managing attendance on 31 July 2026,” the commission said.
The PSC said employees who are unable to report for duty because of anticipated transport disruptions should communicate with their supervisors through normal reporting channels where practicable.
It also urged those who could travel safely to report for work but stressed that employees should not be exposed to unnecessary danger.
“However, no employee should be required to place themselves at unnecessary risk in attempting to travel to and from their workstation,” the memorandum said.
The commission reaffirmed that public servants, like all citizens, enjoy constitutional rights, including the right to participate in peaceful demonstrations.
“The Commission further acknowledges that public officers, as citizens, enjoy the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. The Commission affirms that it will continue to respect those constitutional rights, including the right to participate in peaceful and lawful demonstrations,” it said.
The PSC urged all public servants, whether they attend work or exercise their constitutional rights, to conduct themselves “peacefully, responsibly, and in accordance with the law.