Public sector performance should be optimised: Jacobs

WINDHOEK: Public Service Day is aimed at recognising public servants for their hard work and contributions, Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, Salmaan Jacobs has said. Jacob said this during a session on optimising public sector performance at the Government Information Centre here on Wednesday. During the discussion, he stated that the commission is required to identify suitable candidates for appointment at various companies within the public service. Jacobs stated that work done by public servants includes maintaining democracy, ensuring that governments are functional and work is to be done in terms of health provision. According to Jacobs, Namibia has about 105 000 public servants, which includes 70 000 civil servants, three groups of uniform servants, mainly the Military, Police and Correctional servants which are 18 000, 15 000, and 2 500 respectively. Of these public servants, 61 per cent are male, and 49 female, with more men than women on the management level. 'People must be appoin ted to different categories of employment, with special emphasis on balance structuring,' Jacobs said. With regards to Public Service Day, Jacobs said it is important because public servants need to be recognised for the services they render to different communities. 'They need to be set aside, thanked, and recognised for their contributions,' said Jacobs. Africa Public Service Day, which is commemorated on 23 June annually, was celebrated on 26 to 27 June this year to recognise the achievements of civil servants. Source: The Namibia News Agency