History for SADC as Zimbabwe’s Sifundo Chief Moyo lands PAPU Secretary-General Post

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There was a moment of history-making for the Southern African Development Community when a Zimbabwean,  Mr. Sifundo Chief Moyo, the former General Manager of Zimpost landed the Pan African Postal Union (PAPU)’s Secretary-General post during the PAPU’s 10th Ordinary session held in Victoria Falls yesterday.

The 2021 Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) Plenipotentiary Conference and the 39th Ordinary Session of the PAPU Administrative Council were officially opened by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the resort town on Friday 25 June 2021.

The meeting and conference were attended by over 32 of the 44 PAPU’s member-states. It was held in line with the COVID-19 regulations as some attended virtually and others physically.

Jessica Ssengooba from Postal Uganda was voted the Deputy Secretary-General of the PAPU. That was in line with the principle of geographical representation and gender balance.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Moyo said he was deeply honoured to have been selected as the Secretary-General of the PAPU.

“I am sincerely grateful for the recognition from the postal sector for this leadership role. What is happening this time to me is a big blessing from God. It is a special moment in my life, a momentous occasion for my family, friends, and work colleagues. A moment of national pride for my country, Zimbabwe. A historic occasion for SADC and Africa. Yes, it is a fulfilment of many dreams for many people and it will serve as a foundation for many dreams and aspirations for young lads in Africa,” Mr Moyo said.

His strategy for stirring the PAPU is well laid out. He promised to prioritize shaping PAPU to become a transformation Champion for the repositioning, renewal, and reinventing of the massive postal institutions to efficiently connect the African citizens to the local, regional and global markets, seamlessly.

“PAPU will support its members to transform and adopt technologies that enhance the fulfilment of trade facilitation, e-commerce, financial inclusion, e-government services, and much more.

“I will guide PAPU in supporting key areas like Africa’s trade corridors, MSMEs growth, and International Financial Remittances. The Union will re-orient its programmes to anchor and support the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), and the fulfilment of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I will ensure that PAPU is fine-tuned to be forward-looking on innovation, responsive to Member States’ needs, operate in an accountable and transparent manner, and promote the rich African cultural, religious and linguistic diversity of its employees and Members,” Mr Moyo added.