Managers should lead from the front, making sure their sub-ordinates contribute productively towards the service delivery mandate of the Department of Roads and Public Works and the government in general.
This was the key message of Roads and Public Works Head of Department (HOD) Mr Bongani Gxilishe to the budget planning and alignment session, which was held at the Regent Hotel in East London from 3 to 5 March.
“What are the reasons for our existence as a management of the Department of Roads and Public Works? Why are we here? Why are we having all these fancy titles? The HOD said it is therefore assume the HOD, General Managers, Senior Managers and Managers are leaders. “The fact is that you are placed in a position where there are people who look up to you to lead them. That’s why we have a responsibility to lead these people effectively.”
According to the HOD managers should make sure their sub-ordinates are punctual and productive in whatever tasks they perform. The HOD said he received reports from the public and members of the Provincial Legislature that they find it sometimes difficult to get assistance from the department. “They would walk into our building and be told that they have to wait, because we are on lunch.”
According to the HOD some of the managers do not have control over there sub-ordinates. “Sometimes we as managers do not know where our people are; what they are doing. Some of them utilise government time to do their private business at home and in town.
“These things reflect on our inability to manage our people effectively. We are going to judge and assess your performance according to your ability to lead and manage your sub-ordinates effectively.” The HOD said managers should be able to account for their activities, behaviour and performance.
“Mangers should crack the whip and if they don’t, I will crack the whip from the top. The MEC will crack the whip on me and I will crack the whip on top managers. Top managers will crack the whip on others.” According to the HOD the new approach of the new Department will be performance driven.
“We have nothing against you. We have no hidden agendas. We have an open approach, but we want performance. If you don’t perform, we will put a report on your file.”
The HOD said all officials should move with speed to improve service delivery. “A file should not sit for weeks in your office. Officials should work to get things done. We need a sense of urgency and if we are not responding promptly there will be serious consequences.
It is better for you to know now; not later, but now. This is how we want things to be done. The responsibility is upon us as managers to make the department successful; provided we do the right things; provided we lead and supervise by example.”
Issued by: Department of Roads and Public Works, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
29 March 2010
Source: Department of Roads and Public Works, Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://dpw.ecprov.gov.za)
