26 Apr 2016

Public servants have been urged to work hard to deliver quality service to citizens efficiently and equitably. This call was made by Minister of Science, Infrastructure and Technology Mr Nonofo Molefhi during the public service day celebrations held recently in Selebi Phikwe.

The event was held under the theme 50 years of service to the nation: United and proud.

Mr Molefhi said the civil service ws important to any country because it kept the country running and also helped the leadership deliver on its mandate adding that democracy and good governance were built on the foundation of a competent civil service because public servants were key drivers in maintaining the welfare of the public and the work they did showed commitment to both public service and patriotism.

He said government set priorities and major directives but the civil service was the one that executed programmes therefore civil servants represented the continuity in government as public service was a calling.

“Government's commitment and efficiency must be matched by its output for it is important that where resources are provided, civil servants should ensure that they deliver to Batswana as the public looks up to them for improvement in the quality of their lives,” he said.

The minister also noted that public service day accorded officers an opportunity to reflect on their work to engage in self-introspection and embrace a 10 point agenda to better service delivery to Botswana.

‘We should focus on our work ethics by avoiding late coming, laziness and unnecessary absenteeism,’ he said.

For his part, the Selebi Phikwe town clerk Mr Mooketsi Mojalemotho encouraged public servants to be united and committed to their work as they reflected on governance of the country.

“50 years of service to the nation should not just be verbal but we should all play a role because public service can either make or break a country and I would like to urge you to choose your beloved Botswana,” he said.

He urged public servants to wear national colours with pride as that on its own proves that we are a united and proud nation.

The day was filled with entertainment from different government departments and educational stalls about services delivered by departments in the town. ENDS