mbulelo smpofu
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, sukulwenkosi.dube@chronicle.co.zw
WITH just four years left before retirement, Mrs Merjury Sikundla (61), a dedicated Matabeleland South-based civil servant, has been honoured with an Integrity Icon Award for her exemplary work ethic and commitment to ethical leadership.
Mrs Sikundla, the provincial development co-ordinator in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, was recognised for her outstanding contribution to empowering women, youth and vulnerable communities, particularly in rural areas.
The award was presented at the recent 2024 Integrity Icons Awards and Summit, hosted by the Accountability Lab Zimbabwe (ALZ).
Mrs Sikundla was one of five recipients selected from 600 nominees countrywide for their unwavering honesty, strong moral principles, and dedication to public service.
Reflecting on the honour, Mrs Sikundla, a civil servant for 38 years, said the award is a reminder of her duty to serve with integrity.
“I am happy and humbled to have been selected among the five winners out of 600 nominees nationwide. It came as a surprise when I learnt I had been nominated. This award encourages me to continue serving the people of Matabeleland South diligently,” she said.
She described the selection process, which included interviews and consultations with community members who assessed her work ethic and the impact of her services, as rigorous.
“Some community members were asked about my conduct and whether they were benefitting from my work. The judging was done by a high-powered panel,” said Mrs Sikundla.
She said representing her province well has been one of her proudest achievements, and she remains motivated to uplift communities and transform lives
Mrs Sikundla’s career began on September 1, 1986, as a teacher after completing her training. She taught at several schools, rising through the ranks to become a deputy headmistress and later headmistress.
In 2006, she moved to the Ministry of Women Affairs, where she has served as the Matabeleland South provincial development co-ordinator for the past 18 years. Her role has focused on championing community development and empowering marginalised groups.
“I have always been driven by the desire to see people progress from one level of development to the next. During my teaching days, I found joy in seeing my pupils excel and now, I carry that same spirit as I work with communities,” said Mrs Sikundla.
She urged fellow civil servants to uphold high ethical standards, emphasising that public service is a calling that requires diligence, professionalism and respect for clients.
“Let’s remember that our clients have nothing to do with our working conditions. The people we serve today may be the ones we will seek services from tomorrow when we have retired,” she said.
Mrs Sikundla also commended ALZ for recognising public servants through the Integrity Icon Awards and called for the initiative to be extended to provincial levels to promote accountability and ethical leadership.
“This award has solidified my commitment to shun corruption and remain transparent in my work. As civil servants, we must bring smiles and hope to our clients. We are living in a world where some expect extra payment for services, which is wrong,” she said.
The Integrity Icons Awards and Summit is an annual event that celebrates public servants who demonstrate honesty, ethical leadership and accountability. Through this initiative, ALZ aims to inspire a cultural shift towards integrity in Zimbabwe’s public service sector. – @DubeMatutu.
