President Khama speaks on Public Service Day

Correspondent | Wednesday July 15, 2015 16:38

I wish to commend and appreciate all Public Officers for the service they have been rendering to the nation for the past 49 years since we attained Independence in 1966.

Having started from a humble beginning as a country, we owe our gratitude as a nation to the men and women who throughout the years have worked tirelessly to develop this country. Botswana has a good record of Public Service which you can justifiably take pride in. We need to sustain this record going forward. The Public Service has a key role to play as we seek to transform the way we deliver public services.

A day such as this one gives you an opportunity as the Public Service to reflect and renew your commitment to the core values that have sustained you over the years to become the Public service of repute.

The Principles, upon which the Botswana public service was founded, that is, Regard for the Public interest, Neutrality, Accountability, Transparency, Freedom from corruption, Continuity, The Duty to be informed, Due Diligence and Botho, remain relevant. These are the building blocks upon which good governance thrive. They are critical in instilling a culture of “service” in the Public Service. As we celebrate the achievements we have made in providing services to our people, we must pride ourselves in having made a difference in the lives of Batswana; the main essence of being in the Public Service.

The theme for this year’s celebrations: “Innovating Public Service Delivery to implement the 2016 Post Development Agenda” calls for new thinking that will take us to the next level of development. We therefore must never be satisfied with what we have achieved. We have to continue to work hard to create an environment for innovation and learning: which is requisite in building organisational capabilities and individual competencies to tackle new challenges.

As I conclude I wish to reassure you of Government’s commitment in improving the working conditions of Public Officers. The meetings I have held with Public Officers around the country have given me the opportunity to appreciate the conditions under which you operate. I know the challenges you face as well as the sacrifices that you continue to make in the interest of this nation.

It is through suggestions put forward during these meetings that Government has introduced amongst others; leave augmentation, Housing and upkeep allowance, and payment of full salary while on study leave. Once more thank you for the service you have provided and continue to give to the citizens. I wish to congratulate all those who will be getting Awards and hope they motivate others to aim for excellence. Pula!