CHAPTER IX PUBLIC SERVICE 180 Public Service (1) There is a Public Service of Zimbabwe, which is responsible for the administration of the country. (2) The Public Service consists of persons employed by the State other than– (a) members of the Defence Forces, the Police Service or the Prison Service; (b) members of the judiciary; (c) members of Commissions established by this Constitution; and (d) anyone else whose office or post is stated, by this Constitution or an Act of Parliament, not to form part of the Public Service. (3)) In carrying out its functions, the Public Service must be guided by the following principles (a) a high standard of efficiency and professionalism must be promoted and maintained; (b) openness must be fostered by providing the public with timely, accessible and accurate information; (c) public administration must be accountable; (d) services must be provided fairly, equitably and impartially; (e) efficient, economic and effective use of resources must be promoted. 181 Organisation and administration of Public Service An Act of Parliament must provide for the organisation, administration and discipline of the Public Service, including the appointment of persons to posts or grades in the service, their removal from office or reduction in grade, their punishment for misconduct and the fixing of their conditions of service. 182 Public Service Commission (1) There is a Public Service Commission consisting of– (a) a chairperson appointed by the President; and (b) at least two and not more than seven other members appointed by the President with the approval of the Senate. (2) Persons appointed to the Public Service Commission must be chosen for their ability and experience in administration or their professional qualifications or their general suitability for appointment, and at least one of them must have held a post or grade in the Public Service for one or more periods amounting to at least five years. 183 Functions of Public Service Commission The Public Service Commission has the functions that are conferred or imposed on it by this Constitution or an Act of Parliament, and these functions may include– (a) appointing persons to hold posts or grades in the Public Service; (b) fixing and regulating conditions of service of members of the Public Service; (c) exercising disciplinary powers over members of the Public Service; - 70 -