Minister Ayanda Dlodlo festive season message

We are almost at the end of the year as the festive season is already upon us. This is the time not only to spend quality time with our families and friends but also a time to think about those who are less fortunate in our society.  

We end the year in which South Africans and indeed the world, celebrated the centenary year of Tata Nelson Mandela and Mama Albertina Sisulu. South Africa as a country is indebted to these icons of our liberation struggle for the fruits of democracy that we enjoy today.

This year we have made great strides in terms of moving towards the type of the Public Service we want to achieve.  We have made groundbreaking policy and regulatory interventions which will improve the service delivery efforts of our government to our people.  We continuously demonstrate our commitment and determination that we are a government that listens and cares about its people.

Through these various policy and regulatory interventions, we are making it possible for our people, especially the youth, to interact with government with ease and at less cost.  The technological advancements and innovation that we are gradually introducing into the public service will expedite the pace of service delivery and ultimately open access to our people on a 24 hour basis.

This work is premised on the broader vision of achieving the developmental goals as espoused in the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and our National Development Plan Vision 2030. The NDP’s vision is that, in 2030, South Africa’s public servants should be skilled, professional and accountable to the people. The public service is efficient, effective and forms an essential part of a capable and developmental state.

State institutions should be well-run and effectively coordinated, run by professionals who are committed to the public good and capable of delivering consistently high-quality services, while prioritizing economic growth and reduced poverty and inequality. These we must achieve working together with the necessary zeal and commitment as public servants.

On a continental level, the African Union in its Agenda 2063 vision aims at entrenching a citizen-centered service delivery culture. This in turn desires to have a continent that puts its citizens at the center of all programs and projects. As we strive to transform the public service, we must also ensure that we engender these values as espoused in the NDP and the AU’s Agenda 2063.

As we take our well-deserved break, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you about our responsibility towards road safety during this festive season. Let us heed the call to drive safely and with care for the sake of everyone on our busy roads at this time. This is also an important time to emphasize the message against gender based violence in and outside our homes. This is a time of joy and family and let everyone do their bit to ensure a safe and joyous festive season for everyone.

Finally, let me take this opportunity to appreciate all the public servants who are in essential services such as health and law enforcement, who will be performing their duties during the festive season.  I call upon all South Africans to cooperate with them as they execute their responsibilities.

Even as we go through the festive season, as public servants, we should still be guided by the Batho Pele Value Statement - We Belong, We Care, We Serve.

Yours in the Public Service.

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