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The postal sector is making it possible for society to pursue uncharted terrains as it embraces the new normal in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, President Mnangagwa has said.
The President made the remarks in his keynote address during the official opening of the 2021 Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) Plenipotentiary Conference and the 39th Ordinary Session of the PAPU Administrative Council at the Kingdom Hotel in Victoria Falls today.
“This event comes against the backdrop of the new normal brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This has brought to the fore the critical role played by the services sector. The postmen and postwomen the world over now constitute frontline workers as they deliver medicines, medical prescriptions, food, cash, and other needs to citizens affected and negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These selfless acts by postal employees remind us of the essential and indispensable role of the sector.
“The COVID-19 pandemic provides delegates at this Plenipotentiary Conference an opportunity to reflect and pursue hitherto uncharted terrains with regards to how best the postal sector can embrace the new normal. This includes the use of technologies such as drones for deliveries, blockchain technologies for secure transactions, digital financial services, and track and trace applications, among others,” President Mnangagwa said.
The country’s number one citizen said information communication technology (ICT) must be leveraged to enable people on the continent to receive services without being physically inclined to visit service centres.
He urged the sector to diversify into a broad range of new services to enhance and increase the competitiveness of the letter and parcel delivery business.
“The postal sector should facilitate the provision of government services on electronic platforms such as e-government services for the convenience and delivery of quality service to our people. With the growth of e-commerce, scope exists for the provision of cost-effective channels for the delivery and collection of purchased items, as consumers become increasingly comfortable with shopping online,” President Mnangagwa added.
Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services paid tribute toMadame Libon Li Likeng Minette, Minister for Posts and Telecommunication of Cameroon for her sterling work in holding the fort and executing the governance of the PAPU with diligence and astute leadership, particularly in these difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He encouraged PAPU member States to continue to formulate policies and promote investments in ICT initiatives that will propel and revolutionise the Postal sector in Africa and underscored the fact that Zimbabwe as the incoming PAPU Chair commits to execute the leadership role diligently with the support of fellow Africans’ support to the full realization of PAPU’s vision in line with the AU Agenda 2063.