02 Nov 2017

Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Thato Kwerepe has advised public officers against active participation in politics.

Addressing public officers in Letlhakane on Tuesday, Mr Kwerepe said they should not be seen identifying themselves with any political party.

He urged public officers to confine themselves to their own jurisdiction.

Some workers unions he said, could even go to the extent of advocating for certain political parties and implored public officers to maintain professionalism at all times.

He expressed concern that customer service, even to colleagues, was poor in government offices.

He said good customer service was important and office environment should be welcoming.

Hospitality he said was what Botswana was known for and that should be revived.

The assistant minister encouraged public officers to treat complaints as feedback and use such to improve service delivery.

He attributed substandard performance to failure to seek advice .

Mr Kwerepe cautioned officers against corruption as it tarnished the country’s image.

Assistant council secretary, Mr Onthatile Molelu complained of overstays which at times  led to officers having conflict of interests in their dealings with the  communities they served.

Boteti he said was a broad sub-district with its own challenges such as shortage of accommodation and exorbitant rentals due to mines operating in the area.

 Directorate of Public Service Management assistant director, Mr Victor Manyanda said plans were under way to address overstays and departments were expected to produce a list of employees due for transfer.

He said transfers should be done in a fair and transparent manner and not rotate officers within the same area.

Mr Manyanga said overtime should not be regarded as part of salary and hours to be worked should be agreed upon and authorised beforehand. BOPA