12 Jun 2017

Remote Area Development Programme (RADP) coordinator, Mr Samuel Rathedi has commended Ghanzi District Council for awarding its employees.

Officiating at the Ghanzi District Council excellence awards ceremony recently, Mr Rathedi explained that it was good labour practice to recognise and reward employees, adding that they were the key resources for any institution.

He said awarding employees was important as it reflected council’s commitment in improving the moral of employees.

“For the council to advance in the battle of service delivery, its employees must be motivated,” he added.

Mr Rathedi, who described public service as a team effort and relay, stated that the awardees achieved certain levels because of team work.

“I therefore wish to encourage those that have not been selected today to receive awards that they should not despair. They should know that they are part of the prizes received today,” he stated.

Mr Rathedi called on supervisors to treat their subordinates equally and fairly at all times, saying there should be no vindictiveness for past transgressions.

He further called on supervisees to be self-disciplined, abide by relevant acts and regulation as well as being productive.

The RADP coordinator said that government appreciated the sacrifice of members of the civil service employees who were working under difficult conditions with shortage of resources.

He added that the government was continually improving the conditions of service of civil servants.

“Ghanzi District is no exception, especially that it is a predominantly RADP council with 11 RADP settlements, therefore more challenging for council staff as it means reaching the remotest places in order to provide government programmmes and services to communities living there,” he said.

This, he said, had resulted in employees having to endure staying in areas with limited amenities, hence the government had put in place programmes geared towards improving staff welfare.

He cited as an example the exemption from paying rent for those officers serving in RADP settlements.

The initiatives, he said, were meant to help maintain a motivated work force as there was a direct correlation between productivity and motivation.

For his part, Ghanzi District Council chairperson, Mr Galetlhaole Sixpence encouraged employees to continue investing their energy in public service.

Cllr Sixpence said the impact of the dedication and efforts of Ghanzi council employees was evident, citing the coveted Miss RADP beauty pageant, won by Ghanzi District.

He attributed this to hard work and commitment put in by the district council in coaching and empowering the beneficiaries. ENDS