The ManicaPost
Cletus Mushanawani
News Editor
GOVERNMENT is working on transforming post offices into e-government hubs that will see communities applying for passports, birth and death certificates and other Government services at this outlets.
This was disclosed by Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe Director General, Dr Gift Machengete in Chipinge during the World Post Day commemorations last week on Friday.
“Although many corporates have gone under because they could not innovate, Zimpost shall not go down that lane as they have embraced innovation. They have embraced diversity, they have embraced change. Diversity, transformation, innovation, and adaptability have therefore become the buzz words for the postal sector to ensure its survival into posterity.
“Zimpost has diversified from traditional mail business to also embrace e-commerce, leveraging on the wide geographical spread of its postal network. In so doing, postal outlets have now become e-commerce hubs after Zimpost successfully partnered a number of retailers abroad to facilitate the delivery of their goods, bought online by local consumers. In addition, Zimpost has its own online store where it sells a number of local and international brands. That is innovation,” said Dr Machengete.
He said postal outlets have also been transformed into digital hubs through the setting up of Community Information Centres (CICs), which have taken up unutilised spaces at post offices.
“Instead of going to post offices to post letters and pick up mail from their mail boxes, people can now visit postal outlets for digital literacy, trade, information, education and financial inclusion, using ICT platforms. That is transformational innovation.
“Government is working on transforming post offices into e-government hubs. Instead of incurring transport costs to the Registrar General’s office, communities will be able to apply for passports, birth and death certificates and other government services at postal outlets. That is adaptability. Adapting to new and emerging trends and promoting ease of doing business,” said Dr Machengete.
He said CICs were conceived to enable communities to access and use ICTs to promote their businesses, advance their education and improve their livelihood.
“CICs also have downstream effects in the form of new employment opportunities for those manning the centres, and those being trained at the centres,” said Dr Machengete.
Acting Post Master General, Mr Isaac Muchokomori, said Zimpost was seized with the digitisation of postal products and services.
The future of Zimpost is to recover through being a trade enabler for individuals, SMEs, corporates, as well as gateway for a one-stop e-government services facility.
This is expected to bring service convenience in line with Zimbabwe Vision 2030.
“In response to client needs, Zimpost has re-positioned itself to offer automated, motorised and online services. The traditional Post Office is transforming from manual to digital. The ordinary money order is being transformed to an electronic/digital money order and the postal order to an online shopping mall called Zimbabwe Mall.
The Zimbabwe Mall is one of the safest platforms in the world for online shopping. This platform enables e-selling, e-buying and online advertising, with Zimpost guaranteeing a seamless last-mile delivery service through its octopus postal delivery network,” said Mr Muchokomori.
He said 77 percent of the country’s postal network has been digitalised through the CICs project.
“Zimpost is on course to bridge the digital divide between the urban and the rural in line with the Government Postal Sector Policy that seeks to see a connected society, connected business and connected people,” said Mr Muchokomori.
