25 Oct 2015

The Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Mr Tshekedi Khama, has said performance awards are meant to recognise good performance and  encourage others who did not excel in their performance to perform better than they have done in the past, as well as an effort to build them up.

“By doing so we create and reinforce a positive image in our employees. We are here to thank our employees who have worked hard throughout the year and achieved quite a lot in spite of all the challenges they face in their work areas,” he said.

Mr Khama said  this at the 3^rd ministry awards which were held at Tlotlo Conference Centre recently, where 210 officers were recognised.

He said the awards were meant to recognise the role individuals and or the institution, contribution made by employees to enhance the role professionalism, image and visibility of the ministry.

“It can also be translated as to reward excellent service to the public, to motivate new employees nationwide, to sustain momentum of innovation, improvement of delivery of public service, to promote, encourage and facilitate networking amongst the ministry employees and department, to enhance professionalism in the public service, to reward successful experiences in innovation and excellence,” he said.

He implored the rest to emulate the awardees and join the bandwagon of innovation, commitment and dedication to work for the betterment of the ministry, own future and that of their descendants. “This is our environment, this is our country. 

We should therefore not shy away from working hard to protect, conserve and preserve it for the benefit of the present and future generation,” he expressed.

Special recognition, from the permanent secretary’s Special Award became a surprise as Mr Khama received an award for his dedication, extensive knowledge and exceptional passion,  sacrifice, full consistent contribution towards achievement of the ministry’s goal.

“It is not often that we award such leaders, but I am sure you will all agree with me that he is worthy of recognition. I would like to show that when there is a difference that I see, it does not matter who the person is, it does not matter what they do, it has got nothing to do with personalities, we are recognising the value that individuals make, and this is what I am looking for in this ministry and I am using this as an example so that we all understand,” said the Permanent Secretary, Mr  Elias Magosi

Also Ms Botshelo Mathuba, the Permanent Secretary to the President, Thato Morui from National Strategy Office, Mr Ikwathaeng Bagopi , executive director of Botswana Public Service College, Commander Botswana Defence Force and Botswana Police, were awarded under Permanent’s Secretary’s special award, for their continued support  towards the ministry’s attainment of goals

The awards categories included excellence awards, innovation awards, team awards, long service awards, sportsmanship, among others . ENDS