17 Mar 2016

Permanent Secretary to the President, Mr Carter Morupisi, has applauded Southern District Council (SDC) employees for quality service, despite the challenges they face.

Speaking during the council awards ceremony in Good Hope on Monday, Mr Morupisi said the employees quality service was evidenced by implementation of government programmes and projects such as poverty eradication, destitute housing and grading of roads.

He said there was also strengthening of relationship between sub-district council management and stakeholders such as village development committees, parent teacher associations, business community and village leaders.

Mr Morupisi said government took a deliberate decision to reward public servants who worked tirelessly to attain government initiatives in improving livelihoods.

“We are here to reward individuals who understand that public service is a calling, individuals whose selfless contribution ensures that Botswana remains a great African state that cares about the wellbeing of its citizens” Mr Morupisi said.

He encouraged those who did not receive any award, not to despair, but continue to work hard and to remember that great things come to those who wait.

He further challenged the leadership of the sub-district to lead their team in the right direction,  with dedication and commitment adding that employees looked up to them for guidance and motivation. He added that great leaders were compassionate and led with consistency, courage and integrity.

Mr Morupisi said staff should be equipped with resources that could  be in the form of training to enhance skills, transport, staff housing and a conducive office space where they could work efficiently and effectively.

For her part, deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Gabatlotlane Sekwakwa, said Botswana’s number one problem was work ethics. 

She said the way employees handled themselves impact on their work. ed

She said employees did not apply themselves well in their workplaces as such encouraged the public servants to make things happen and fulfill their purposes in the workplace.

Meanwhile, SDC secretary, Mr Mompati Seleka, said the objectives of the event was  to motivate staff for increased productivity at the work place, strengthen relations between stakeholders and workplace as a result of enhancing team work, as well as cultivate a sense of belonging for all southern district employees.

He said the day also aimed at giving the community a chance to appreciate effort made by the staff despite all the challenges they faced. 

He added that the performance awards also aimed at emphasising the importance of government initiatives and responsibility of the workplace.

Mr Seleka further said the day was to stimulate employees to get ready for implementation of Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) without fail and getting ready for celebration of Botswana’s 50th anniversary.

SDC chairman, Mr Mephato Reatile, encouraged recipients to work hard and keep up what they had been doing and told the other workers to pull up their socks and be motivated to get awards next time. 

He said it was up to an individual to do their work adding that determination was  key to better service delivery.

He decried  lack of infrastructure and office space in the Good Hope council saying that it was one of their biggest challenge as employees help clients in congested offices. He said that this hinders them to deliver their services to the best of their abilities.

The recipients of special awards were Ms Lettie Regomangwe under the category of time management, Ms Gaobagopole Ping under knowledge of work, Ms Boipelo Ditlhakeng under supervisory abilities, Ms Badirwang Mpofu under customer care, Ms Idah Pitso under creative and innovation and 

Mr Pontsho Pontsho under team work. Ends