29 Nov 2015

Mr and Miss Public Service 2015 launched a project called Re-Branding the Public Service Image in Gaborone. 

The project intended to transform the way public officers dress in order to commit to good work ethics and would also give the public service a particular brand with which they could be identified.

Delivering a keynote address at the launch, the manager for productivity and quality at Botswana National Productivity Centre (BNPC), Mr Teedzani Majaule, said it was unfortunate that the public service over the years had been accused of poor service delivery and low customer satisfaction levels.

“This status quo challenges the public service to change many undesirable traits to gain high levels of customer satisfaction,” said Mr Majaule.

He said the re-branding of the public service image was therefore an honourable attempt and indeed one of the good traits in improving productivity in the workplace and this initiative would seem minute yet it has a big influence, in so far altering the image of the public service.

Mr Majaule said the government instituted the 10 points agenda, an endeavour to ensure that the customers receive quality service and therefore re-branding of public service image would complement the 10 points agenda.

“Your appearance should communicate that you are ready for work, that you care about your work, that you care and show respect to your co-workers and customers,” said Mr Majaule.

He said a professional image promotes productivity, teamwork and good customer care service, which are the noble intentions of the 10 points agenda. 

For her part, Miss Public Service 2015, Ms Lorato Force who is one of the ambassadors of the project said through this project, it was their contribution towards dealing with issues surrounding the public service such as inefficiency, lack of effectiveness, professionalism and mistreating customers. 

“With the project, they want to reach out to all public officers to dress appropriately, the little things that we can change let us change them, they will lead us to the bigger achievements of having a reputable public service in our country,” said Ms Force.

Meanwhile, the deputy manager of Corporate Services at Department of Public Service Management (DPSM) Mr Uwoga Mandiwana called upon all supervisors across ministries to enforce proper dress code at the work place.

“Let us all rise with resilience and cherish the ethics that will define our public service and also shape our future,” said Mr Mandiwana.

He challenged Mr and Ms Public service to ensure sustenance of the noble project beyond their rein. Ends