28 Apr 2016

Public officers have been urged to adopt positive work ethics to celebrate and be proud of what they have achieved, knowing that anything is possible if they change their attitude towards work.

Speaking during the Kgatleng District Public Service Day Awards held under the theme ‘50 Years of Service to the Nation; United and Proud’, former Permanent Secretary to the President and High Commissioner to Australia Mr Molosiwa Selepeng said government had always been concerned about the quality of public service delivery.

He said it was for this reason that government introduced public service reforms to improve performance and service delivery in the quest to promote the seven pillars of Vision 2016 and the national development plans.

Mr Selepeng further said the reforms had produced commendable results in terms of work ethics, efficiency, open and effective management practices, accountability and curbing corruption.

He said therefore it did not come as a surprise that Kgatleng District organised an event of this magnitude in an effort to recognise officers’ sterling performance and encourage others to do well.

The former high commissioner said Kgatleng had always been keen to ensure that service delivery was prompt and of good quality.

Mr Selepeng said “more often than not, it seems that some of the services rendered by our public servants are taken for granted, go unrecognised, or at times criticised. But, this has not discouraged many of you; instead, you continue to serve with a smile.”

He urged officers of today to be inspired by these words “only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile”.  He encouraged all public servants in Kgatleng to work in that same spirit and strive for greater impact in the effort to improve the quality of life in Botswana. 

Mr Selepeng cautioned officers against declaring their political affiliation in public as that would erode trust and confidence in the public eye.

He said the awards should serve not only as recognition of excellent service but also as an encouragement for the emulation by others.

When welcoming guests and also laying out the objectives of the public service awards, Kgatleng District Commissioner Mr Mompoloki Mochanang said the day created a platform to recognise good performance and to appreciate and share good practices and innovation.

He also said public service day was a way to celebrate public servants for their contribution in the development of the country saying public service day was a build up to the BOT50 celebration of the 50^th Anniversary and public servants had joined venture to celebrate 50 years of service to the nation with their country. 

Mochanang  reminded public servants of the innovation expo which he said was a build up to the Kgatleng public service day in all the government departments, adding that they celebrated individuals who performed well to motivate and boost their morale of and share their passion and talents outside work.

He applauded public servants for their numbers in participating and the commitment they showed in all the activities. 

He further edged public servants to abide by the code of efficient delivery of service to the public and improving the lives of Batswana.

The awards ranged from sporting activities, beauty pageant, innovations/best practices, best performing employee per department and employee of the year per department.

Mr Ofentse Seitshiro and Ms Maipelo Motlokwa both from District Health Management Team (DHMT) and Mr Shandulo Maphorisa from Regional Education Office each scooped employee of the year award.

In an interview they said it was all about team work and commitment and getting feedback from customers so that they improves their services every day.ENDS