Pretoria:Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, emphasized the importance of public service as a calling during his address at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Public Service Day commemoration. He urged public servants to view their roles not merely as jobs but as a commitment to the well-being and prosperity of South Africa.
According to South African Government News Agency, Morolong highlighted that Public Service Month in September is both a celebration and a call to action for public servants to improve service delivery. He stated that the principles of Batho Pele, which prioritize putting people first, should guide their work.
Morolong stressed the essential role of the GCIS in bridging the gap between government policy and the public. He noted that effective communication is vital for citizens to access government opportunities and programs. With the upcoming Local Government Elections, he emphasized the need for factual and accessible government communication that remains politically impartial.
Acting Deputy Director-General for Government Services Access and Improvement, Dr. Patrick Sokhela, called on public servants to exceed their job descriptions and address the needs of the less privileged. The GCIS celebration also recognized Heritage Month, with officials dressed in traditional attire and awards given for outstanding service.
The event underscored the spirit of service within the GCIS, which was praised for achieving a clean audit outcome. Nathan Lawnet from the Office of the Auditor-General SA highlighted the importance of leadership and financial management in maintaining such standards.
Mava Mothiba from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture encouraged the preservation of dynamic heritage practices, while a moment of silence was observed in memory of gender-based violence and femicide victims, reaffirming the government's commitment to addressing these issues.