The saying you reap what you sow came into true effect at this years Premier’s Service Excellence Awards held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre on 16th July 2015. This was proven when two KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development employees walked away with top honours at the award ceremony. Both Neli Mhlongo, who works as administrative support in the Office of the Head of Department and Mduduzi Michael Mtshali, who works in veterinary services in eThekwini were presented with gold awards for the Director General’s Special award and the Best Frontline Service Delivery Employees of the Year award respectively. Mhlongo was selected for her tireless work and efficiency in the administrative duties in the office of the HOD.
She said she was elated to be honoured and dedicated her award to her colleagues who she said was always ready to assist whenever she called on. Mtshali at age 59, considers himself a veteran in the Department and was ecstatic over his award. “It has been a long journey on my part to arrive where I am today. I have always believed that cooperation between community members and Veterinary Services staff is the key in curbing animal diseases such as rabies. Winning this award is truly an amazing thing to have happened at my age,” said Mtshali.
He added that in 1978, he enrolled at the Owen Sithole College of Agriculture for a two-year Diploma in Animal Health. Ï never looked back and now I hold a Masters in Agriculture from the University of KwaZulu-Natal,” he said. Mtshali worked in the Hlabisa office from 1980 and moved to the Department’s Durban office in 1993. “I have contributed immensely in the fight against rabies. I also helped with the campaigns to empower ordinary people with information to assist curb the scourge of the rabies in the eThekwini District. My approach in helping people has always been informed by the principles of Batho Pele. I have made sure that people access information and knowledge about various animal diseases affecting poor communities,” he added.
