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Public Service Month 2024
Making Government Work For Us
By Koketso Mamabolo
The people first - Batho pele. The Sotho-Tswana phrase was the name of the first administration’s initiative, beginning in 1997, which sought to improve service delivery and bridge the gap between the government and residents guided by six principles, as summarised by the Department of Public Service and Administration: Consultation, service standards, access, courtesy, information, openness and transparency, redress & value for money.
The first administration was the first iteration of a Government of National Unity (GNU), and it’s fitting that in the wake of national elections, which gave rise to a new GNU, the Minister for Public Service Administration, Honourable Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, highlighted the initiative and it’s focus on socio-economic development.
“A developmental public service places a high priority on growth, health and wellness, with a strong focus on public sector employees who are dedicated to putting the needs of the people first,” he said, speaking at a press briefing for the launch of Integrated Public Service Month (IPSM). “We are committed to revitalising the Batho Pele principles, while at the same time ensuring that the wellbeing of our public servants is at the forefront of our efforts.”
The majority of public servants are at the coalface of service delivery and carry out responsibilities that underpin how the country functions and this year’s theme captures it: A Government That Works For You. The theme further reflects one of the 7th administration’s key priorities which is to enhance the state’s capabilities, ethics and developmental impact, along with professionalising the public sector.
“When we say we are “A Government That Works For You,” we mean we will actively demonstrate how the government is identifying our shortcomings and implementing effective solutions to the challenges faced in public service. We are committed to showing South Africans that the government is fully dedicated to delivering services with excellence,” said the Minister.
“I want to remind the over 1.3 million public servants who serve over 60 million South Africans daily, that this year’s theme is not just a slogan but a solemn commitment to every citizen of this nation.”
As the Hon. Inkosi Buthelezi explained, IPSM involves a host of activities aimed at fostering a learning environment between government departments and creating a platform for public engagement. For this year’s programme, the Cabinet chose to go beyond the month-long commemoration and plan a yearlong programme.
“Our national departments, provincial administrations, local government, institutions and entities, have numerous operational challenges that have hindered effective service delivery in the past. Therefore, government will address these problems, with a strong focus on breaking down the silos that have traditionally separated our departments, by working towards fostering a spirit of collaboration.”
While recognising the challenges and drop in the public’s confidence in the state, the Minister stressed the importance of recognising those in the public service who are working hard and providing exceptional service. “In the past year alone, we have seen significant advancements in the public service, and it is essential that we continue to build on this progress and maintain the momentum to accelerate service delivery for all South Africans.
This involves not only professionalising our public service but also committing to ongoing training, skills development, and a thorough review of our current practices, such as addressing the ethical standards of our public servants,” said the Minister. He commended the brave public servants who have come forward as whistleblowers, despite the risks involved and emphasised government’s commitment to addressing issues of ethics in the public sector, mentioning the progress made in implementing lifestyle audits. According to the Minister, by the end of July this year 147 of 160 national and provincial departments had completed their lifestyle audits.
Ethics Officers have been appointed within the departments and a selfassessment tool is being developed in partnership with the National School of Government. Ethics Week was recently launched this month as well, along with plans to provide training on lifestyle audits and discipline management. This will be followed by Service Delivery Monitoring Week from the 16th to the 20th of September, and Batho Pele Week from the 23rd to the 27th of September.
The Minister announced that South Africa will host the 17th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV) from the 1st to the 4th of October. The CPSI, which is partnering with the UN University and Wits School of Governance for ICEGOV, will also be hosting a Hackathon Weekend (4 - 6 October), together with private sector partners “to find innovative solutions to our problems in the public sector”. IPSM will conclude with the Government Employees Medical Scheme Big Walk on the 6th of October.
