Ms Matibenga said African public sector management should move away from any form of political manipulation. "As an institution of State, the civil service is financed by public funds. As such, it is expected to serve all people irrespective of their political affiliation. Therefore there is need for re-orienting the civil service to make it more responsive to the needs and values of the people it serves.

"This calls for continuous professional and ethical training, underscoring the importance of this workshop," she said. She also hailed the Africa University's PSMTP programme, which is the overriding body with strong linkages with Management Development Institutes in Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho and Tanzania.

"I want to thank the African Capacity Building Foundation for sponsoring this workshop and indeed the whole Africa University PSMTP project which has so far produced 120 Masters graduates in Public Sector Management from 12 countries in East and Southern Africa.

"Your institution has a great responsibility to change the perception that Africa is a corrupt continent. I therefore hope your training in ethics and professionalism in the public sector in your respective countries will go a long way to change this perception."

The Africa University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fanuel Tagwira, said civil servants were the engine to national development which is why the PSMTP is essential to train modern, good governance in the public sector.