24 Jun 2020

Ministry of Basic Education’s e-Thuto project has been awarded the prestigious United Nations Public Service (UNPS) award under promoting digital transformation in the public sector category.

 Speaking on the occasion of UN Public Service day, Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Kabo Morwaeng commended the project team for making Botswana super proud.

He said a plus was that the project was relevant to the new normal of digital transformation brought about by COVID-19 challenges.

Mr Morwaeng said governments the world over thrived because of the selfless commitment, dedication and invaluable contribution of their public service workers hence the setting aside of a day for the celebration of the value and virtue of the Public Service.

As Botswana continued the journey to transform from a resource-based to knowledge economy, all public service employees and Batswana at large needed to explore their innovative and creative capabilities to come up with projects like e-Thuto, he said.

The public, Mr Morwaeng said, needed to innovate, leapfrog and speed up Botswana’s socio economic development and also create a legacy that future generations would all be proud of.

The minister acknowledged the contribution of the public service to nation building and developmental strides.

In addition, Mr Morwaeng said the country could not have made positive strides had it not been for the support of major stakeholders such as public service unions.

He said union’s support and contribution to the smooth running of the public service was greatly appreciated and it would take Botswana to greater heights.

“It is through partnerships and networks like the ones we have with our public service unions that we continually make use of the platform to exchange experiences ranging from best practices, innovative ideas and approaches for improved service delivery,” he said.

Minister Morwaeng also expressed gratitude to all civil servants for their unending selfless service which the majority of them demonstrated even during the extreme lockdown period.

“It is therefore befitting for me to specially acknowledge all the frontline public service employees who continue to lead us selflessly in the fight against COVID-19.

As a nation we are proud of your hard work and I would like to urge and encourage you to continue to soldier on,” he said.

He encouraged ministries and departments to find more innovative ways of rewarding excellence and hard work as that would motivate employees to continue achieving more with less in their daily work activities.ends