NEC Officials and Employees Attend Diplomacy, Protocol and Professional Grooming Workshop
NEC Officials and Employees Attend Diplomacy, Protocol and Professional Grooming Workshop
The National Employment Council (NEC) officials and employees attended a professional development workshop facilitated by the Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy (ZID) The workshop was held at the Elephant Hill Resort, Victoria Falls, from 13 to 14 December 2025, and was graced by the NEC Board Chair Mr. Request Machimbira and His Worship Jacob Mafume, the Mayor of Harare City. Mr. Machimbira, Chairperson of the NEC Board, officially opened the workshop. His opening remarks emphasised the critical role of professional training, diplomacy and leadership in enhancing the organisational effectiveness of local authorities.
Mr. V. A. Chikanda, Chief Facilitator, former diplomat and the Principal Lecturer at ZID, introduced the workshop theme and underscored the evolving role of cities and local authorities in contemporary diplomacy, law, diplomatic practice, negotiation and international relations.
The training was designed to enhance leadership, communication and negotiation skills among NEC officials and employees, equipping them to engage effectively with stakeholders and represent the organisation professionally. Modules covered include Diplomacy and International Protocol; Business and Social Protocol; Corporate and Professional Etiquette; Professional Grooming, Deportment and Self Presentation; Communication and Negotiation Skills; Personal and Professional Branding and Stakeholder Engagement techniques.
The Training equipped participants with the necessary tools to observe correct and apt diplomatic, business and social protocol in serving the community as local authorities; Demonstrate exemplary professional etiquette in council meetings, engagements and service delivery; Maintain efficacy and professionalism in NEC service delivery; Maintain high standards of personal and professional grooming and presentation; Communicate effectively, lead and negotiate confidently; Project a positive self-image; uphold the professional image of NEC and to strengthen personal and organisational branding.
This initiative underscores NEC’s commitment to enhancing institutional professionalism, fostering leadership, improving stakeholder engagement and promoting a culture of excellence and integrity across its workforce, in recognition of the evolving role of local authorities in contemporary diplomacy, governance and international relations.
