13 Jun 2016

The Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Eric Molale says Botswana public service has every reason to be proud of what it has achieved in the past 50 years.

Welcoming guests at the 2016 Public Service Day (PSD) Commemoration themed: “Fifty Years of Service to the Nation: United and Proud”, on Monday, Mr Molale said at the time of its independence in 1966, Botswana was the world’s third-poorest country, even poorer than most other African countries.

“Its infrastructure was poor, with only 12 kilometres of paved roads, and it was highly uneducated, with only 22 university graduates and 100 secondary school graduates,” he added.

Botswana’s remarkable social and economic progress during the past 50 years, he said was made possible by committed public servants and strong leadership, inclusive governance, effective institutions, the rule of law, and effective conflict resolution leading to peace and stability.

“A well-functioning public service helps to foster good policy making, effective service delivery, accountability and responsibility in utilising public resources which are the characteristics of good governance,” he said.

He also encouraged the public service to continue being committed to government’s objective of ensuring prosperity for all by fulfilling all the aspirations of Batswana through their delivery of service to the nation.

“The benefits of development must be spread equitably among all Batswana if we are to create a truly democratic society,” he added.

Botswana public service, the minister said had grown by leaps and bounds since independence. Currently, he said the public service sector accounted for about a third of the total employment, with a total of 123 009, and central government was the single largest employer in the country.

In his vote of thanks, Permanent Secretary to the President, Mr Carter Morupisi said the commemoration of PSD was an important milestone, ‘which should be celebrated since it serves as an incentive for public servants to achieve more.’

Over the years, Mr Morupisi said public servants had played a very critical role in driving the country’s transformative socio-economic agenda.

For this reason, Mr Morupisi said it was fitting that ‘as we embark on this important journey of achieving an effective and efficient public service, we should recognise and reward well deserving individuals and teams for achieving excellence in service delivery.’

Meanwhile, as a noble gesture and to give back to the community, the Botswana public service had managed to voluntarily raise P100 000 through a Donate-a-Pula initiative. The cheque was officially handed over to the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Slumber Tsogwane by Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi at the ceremony. The money will be donated to a deserving charity organisation to use for a worthy sustainable community development project.

Additionally, also as part of its commitment to entirely ensuring it leaves a remarkable impact on the lives of less privileged Batswana, Botswana public service also bought 120 school shoes and socks for a primary school in Masunga.

Mr Masisi handed over the donation to North East District Council chairperson, Ms Florah Mpetsane, who was accompanied by Tati West MP, Mr Biggie Butale.

Public Service Awards Commemoration started in 2003 by the United Nations to; discover innovations in governance, reward excellence in the public service sector, motivate public servants to further promote innovation, enhance professionalism in the public service, raise the image of public service, enhance trust in governance and collect and disseminate successful practices for possible replication. ENDS