Ambassador James Manzou was appointed Commissioner of the Public Service on January 1, 2024, bringing with him four decades of credentials and skills garnered while serving the government, mostly in the diplomatic circles. He brought to the PSC knowledge in diplomatic discussions, team building, and research, all of which are essential skills for a commissioner.

He draws on his global expertise, having served in prominent positions in the Foreign Affairs ministry in countries as diverse as the United States, Russia, and Switzerland. His experience as an expert appointee to the United Nations Security Council around the turn of the century demonstrates his ability in diplomatic talks, as does his leadership position. Ambassador Manzou spent a decade as Ambassador to Angola from 2001 to 2010, where he learnt Portuguese.

In keeping with the country’s aim of engaging and reengaging with the rest of the world, Ambassador Manzou’s appointment to the PSC underlined the extent to which the country is committed to pursuing this vision. The government workforce, which the PSC supersedes, is vital to the country’s international relations; hence, the nomination of experienced and masterful executives such as Ambassador is imperative.

Prior to being appointed to the PSC, Ambassador Manzou served as a Principal Director in the SADC, COMESA, and AU portfolios from 2014 to 2018. As a result of his exemplary accomplishments, he was appointed Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in September 2018, where he served with distinction until his retirement from active service in December 2023. However, the country still required his proficiency, and the President appointed him to the position of PSC Commissioner just a month after his retirement from public service.

His tenure as Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary coincided with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 initiative to engage and reengage with all nations of the world. As a result, the country could not afford to lose Ambassador Manzou’s extensive knowledge and experience to a pleasant retirement in the countryside. Upon arrival to the PSC the Ambassador immediately demonstrated his ability. Working both behind the scenes and on the front lines, Ambassador Manzou has successfully integrated the PSC into the country’s critical issues. His expertise is especially useful to the PSC’s protocol section, which benefits greatly from the Ambassador’s knowledge, connections, and expertise in the diplomatic circles.