17 May 2016

Jwaneng mayor Mr Tsietsi Oodira-Kwenje has called on public officers to strive towards leaving a good impression on those they serve.

Speaking at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning Southern Branch Awards Ceremony held in Jwaneng on Monday (May 16), Mr Oodira-Kwenje said public officers should work hard to give the best service with the meagre resources. He noted that public service should put volunteerism before incentives; something which he said would result in quality service.

He noted that Botho should be the cornerstone of public service as it has always been the core moral value of Batswana. He said coupled with other attributes such as determination and hard work, it could go a long way in luring tourists and businesspeople into the country.

“Let our service delivery leave a lasting impression even those outside the country. Give them the kind of service that will make them talk about us in their countries and make them want to come back,” he noted.

He also urged the officers to think beyond the present moment but rather execute their duties in such a way that they would leave a legacy for the coming generation. He urged them to build a public service that would be beneficial to their children and make them proud.

The mayor underscored the need to acknowledge the contribution of government employees who held the fort ever since the public service was started in Botswana. He said the role they had played could not go unnoticed as they set the foundation which present day Botswana is riding on. Furthermore, he said these employees produced good results with limited resources, but they managed to persevere despite the challenges.

Mr Oodira-Kwenje also emphasised that officers should respect each other despite their positions in the work place. He said mutual respect was a two way thing and it ensured peace and stability in the workplace. He noted that teamwork would also make work easier as everyone would play their respective role towards a common goal.

He called upon them to familiarise themselves with instruments such as the Public Service Charter as well as to inform themselves about government programmes so that they could be able to inform the public. 

“As custodians of government programmes, you have to inform yourselves about these programmes and not think it is only the responsibility of the supervisors,” he said.

Nonetheless, the civic leader implored leaders and supervisors to do their best to avail the necessary tools for employees to effectively execute their duties. He said a healthy mind and body was essential for excellent service delivery.

The awards, which were held under the theme Human Capital Recognition; Sustainable 50 Years of Service to the Nation, were in honour of Employees of the Month, Long Service and Good Conduct, Best Performing Committee as well as Best Performers from six areas being Jwaneng, Kanye, Moshupa, Mabutsane, Goodhope, Tsabong and Hukuntsi.

One of the Best Performers awardee, Mr Letso Zachariah, an accountant at Kanye Revenue office attributed his recognition to the hard work that he always displays in his duties.

“I always go an extra mile by volunteering to work after hours and during weekends. I also volunteer to speak on behalf of my colleagues to ensure a conducive working place for all,” he said.

The Jwaneng chief accountant, Ms Janet Elaotswe, who was awarded for Long Service and Good Conduct said during her 25 years of service, she has always strived to give her all. She advised young people to work hard even with limited resources because the results are fulfilling. ENDS