02 Nov 2023

The inaugural Ombudsman casebook has been described as a progressive cornerstone for the enhancement of public service.

The 81-page booklet compiled by the Ombudsman has insights into some of the real-life cases from diverse sectors reported to the Ombudsman and their outcomes.

The casebook is for the benefit of the public service and is aimed at encouraging effective decision-making.

Speaking at the casebook launch in Gaborone November 2, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Ms Naledi Moroka said the casebook offered public servants access to a wealth of knowledge, enabling them to navigate complex situations with insight and integrity.

“By delving into the real-life cases within the casebook, public servants gain access to a wealth of knowledge, enabling them to navigate complex situations with insight and integrity,” she said.

She said as the public service absorbed the lessons from the  cases, they became catalysts for positive transformation.

Ms Moroka said the casebook also fostered a culture of continuous learning and encouraged professionals to reflect on past challenges and successes.

It also equips them with the tools needed to address future issues effectively, she said.

For his part, Ombudsman  Advocate Stephen Tiroyakgosi said the casebook was crucial for providing guidance, learning opportunities and pathways for the improvement in the public administration.

He said the casebook was a treasure of real-life scenarios encountered by members of the public and a collection of situations that highlight challenges faced in the public service.

He said it showcased patterns and trends that may indicate systemic issues within the public administration.

“By recognising these patterns, ministries can proactively address the root cause, improve processes and ensure fair and efficient service delivery to the public,” he said.

Advocate Tiroyakgosi said the government as a whole thrived when all were engaged in collaborative learning and sharing best practices.

He said the casebook offered government machinery the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences, successes and challenges. ENDS