28 Nov 2013

The Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso has commended departments under her ministry for embracing the concept of Work Improvement Teams (WITs).

She noted on November 26 that the departments had taken great strides in institutionalising the strategy as a way of enhancing service delivery by applying it across all levels and functions of the ministry.

Ms Tshireletso was presenting a keynote address at the official opening of a two- day WITs convention for the ministry in Gaborone. “I note with great pride and appreciation that a number of departments now have on-going projects and Dikgosi are also involved.

This development should be seen as reflecting a shift in mindsets to positively embrace the WITs concept and an acceptance by all staff that service delivery may be enhanced through the WITs strategy,” said the assistant minister.

The convention, held under the theme ‘effective governance and work ethics for effective service delivery,’ was attended by officers from district councils around the country.  Ms Tshireletso said WITs conventions are important because they afford staff a platform to showcase ideas and innovations that can be used to tackle work place challenges.

Further, she emphasised that they help to build team spirit and identity for all staff. The convention discussed issues such as quality service delivery, work ethics and moral standards. There was also sharing of best practices by different teams.

The ministry permanent secretary, Mr Boipolelo Khumomatlhare urged participants to take WITs conventions seriously because they facilitate idea sharing and problem solving.

He also stressed to the ministry’s supervisors that they must practice good management, and said departments should do all that is possible to ensure that they meet customer needs.

“We should push hard to ensure that we achieve our aims and our projects,” he said. Ms Keba Nyathi, secretary for Local Government and Rural Development Reforms, explained that the convention’s objectives is to share information on issues that impact positively or negatively on the ministry’s performance and come up with strategy to improve the situation.

She also said the convention was held for districts to share best practices and help each other improve service delivery, showcase on projects that have had positive impact on delivery within the ministry, and celebrate the contribution that employees have made in the ministry. ENDS