Cape Town – President Jacob Zuma says plans to revitalise the public service are currently being rolled out in all departments.
Addressing the National Assembly during the Presidency Budget Vote on Wednesday, the President said this would achieve a better society, a professional, people-centred, effective, efficient and disciplined public service.
“Beyond the major projects and work of departments, we will also monitor the human aspect.
“We will assess the manner in which enquiries and complaints from the public are handled, the courtesy and friendliness of staff and the speed with which members of the public are attended to.
“In this regard, the Batho Pele citizen care programme is being revitalised and will be mainstreamed in every department in order to improve performance and services to the public,” he said.
The President said through the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, progress in improving the performance of all departments is being monitored.
He said Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has been meeting with Ministers, Deputy Ministers and their Directors-General to discuss the priorities and action plans of each department.
“The performance of the Presidential Hotline and other call centres that service the public in various departments will continue to be useful barometers of how government relates to the public,” said President Zuma.
President condemns hijack killing
Meanwhile, the President also dedicated a section of his speech to convey his condolences to the family of four-year-old Taegrin Morris from Reiger Park, who was dragged to death by hijackers, who were speeding off from a hijacking scene.
“No child should be subjected to such brutality. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Morris family and to the community of Reiger Park as a whole.
“On Tuesday last week, the country had been shaken by the kidnapping of six-year-old Mongezi Phike after he and his father, Mr Aaron Phike, were hijacked in Bronkhorstspruit. His father was severely assaulted.
“We thank the police and the public for the swift work which led to Mongezi being found,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
