06 Mar 2014

Song and dance were order of the day at GICC in Gaborone on March 4 when excelling officers across the different departments of the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs (MLHA) received rewards.

This year’s awards were upgraded and saw awards to the level of deputy permanent secretary. The department of national internship programme shined at the event winning most awards such as the best community service committee and the best anti-corruption committee.

Highlight of the moment was when the department's acting director, Ms Caroline Okhello-Wengi claimed both the visionary leader of the year award and the minister’s award, walking away with P1 500 and P2 000 respectively.

Officers from gender affairs department also won most of the individual awards and corporate services was recognised as the most improved department

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Mr Edwin Batsu said officers who invested in hard work and commitment in their service delivery had to be nurtured through recognition and performance awards to facilitate motivation of staff and their knowledge growth.

“Recognition of excellent work has a key objective of breeding more excellence, greater performance and happy service recipients.” The minister said customers expect excellent services at all times thus the MLHA’s committed officers who can deliver efficiently and effectively to the public deserve recognition and appreciation.

Although the ministry had challenges such as being poorly resourced, shortage of transport and unreliable systems that hamper service delivery, the minister said there is considerable room for improvement in areas which do not need resource capacitation, such as commitment and good behaviour.

In his remarks, the MLHA permanent secretary, Mr Ikwatlhaeng Bagopi encouraged those who did not receive awards to celebrate with the winners, stating that it did not mean they were not of worthy cause to the ministry, but winners came about as a result of team spirit.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr Victor Ntshabeng said if the MLHA officers could utilise their talents, the ministry will also bring positive results to the country, as it is a vital ministry that is responsible for births, passports and others.

He however said some of the processes currently used by MLHA maybe behind times and need to be changed to be in line with new technologies to improve service delivery.

Excelling officers received awards in 12 categories such as long service and good conduct, Intern of the year, Employee of the year, Minister’s award, Visionary Leader of the Year among others. Ends