07 May 2017

The Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Developement, Mr Thapelo Olopeng has urged officers from his ministry to recognise the importance of team work.

He added that much could be achieved as a team than working in isolation.

Giving a keynote address at his ministry’s excellence awards ceremony in Gaborone on May 5, the minister stated that they valued and appreciated individual contributions to the attainment of the ministry goals and customer expectations.

Mr Olopeng said through the awards they intended to create a culture that was aligned to their core value of botho, team work and botshelo.

“Excellence is about accomplishment and I want to congratulate our award recipients for demonstrating commitment to their jobs, and most of them have become an inspiration to their colleagues.”

He said the theme for the occasion 'Awarding excellence for service delivery,' came at an opportune time when the ministry was preparing to launch a new mandate which was accentuated by empowerment and development in its new name.

He revealed that on May 12, the ministry would showcase their innovative initiatives at the national stadium in order to effectively deliver on the new mandate.

Mr Olopeng further stated that they were honouring individuals and teams which had served with distinction, adding that their hard work and professional conduct had earned the ministry a place in the hearts of clients.

He urged officers to double up their efforts to accomplish even greater things in their careers, and to accept the prizes with humility knowing that their colleagues who did not receive prizes had contributed to the achievements.

“I want to also take this opportunity to encourage those who are not receiving any prize to continue working hard and not despair because in every race there is a winner and we cannot all become winners,” he noted.

He thanked the ministry’s management for emphasising performance expectations and giving feedback to staff.

Mr Olopeng gave the minister’s award to the ministry’s district coordinators across the country, saying they operated under difficult conditions with inadequate resources but produced results.

The best performing district award went to North East District while Francistown and Gaborone districts finished in second and third place respectively.

Ten officers who have served the ministry for over 30 years were awarded long service and good conduct awards.

Ms Betty Mazebedi emerged the winner in the creativity and innovation category while Mr and Miss MYSC 2016, Mr Joseph Tshukudu and Ms Olemme Lekgoko were given the volunteerism award.

The outstanding volunteers male and female award went to Mr Osegofetse Ben and Ms Margaret Serumola respectively.

The community development volunteer award was presented to Ms Nomsa Masimo while the Youth Expo organising team snatched the outstanding team award.

The fashionista award went to Mr Kristian Mmusi and Ms Atamelang Themba while team player was awarded to Mr Olebile Mbulayi and Ms Tshwarelo Mechidi named the fitness freak.

Officers who had achieved an overall of 80 per cent and above in the annual performance results were also awarded for their hard work. ENDS