Public Service and Administration Minister Faith Muthambi says the public must be served and treated with respect and dignity at government’s service delivery points.
This is in line with the Batho-Pele principles, which stress the importance of service delivery and putting people first. The Minister believes that through this approach, government can change the lives of South Africans for the better.
“There must be a sense of urgency in the way in which we do things as public servants and representatives, especially those who are interacting directly with the people,” Minister Muthambi said.
The Minister was speaking after visiting service delivery points in Polokwane as part of Public Service Month. The Minister visited three clinics within this area, South Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA) offices, as well as the Department of Home Affairs offices, which deliver services daily to hundreds of people, most of whom are poor and marginalised.
The Minister said it was important to monitor frontline service delivery so government can evaluate service delivery on the ground. This helps to improve services to communities.
“As government, we have realised that paying unannounced visits to government’s frontline facilities has resulted in a tangible improvement in services across the country.”
She called on communities to inform government when there are service delivery deficiencies through the Presidential Hotline on 17737 (toll-free from a landline) and other communications channels that have been made available.
“We encourage our communities to be in constant contact with their councillors and ward committees to ensure that their challenges are urgently communicated to the relevant departments whenever there are service delivery challenges,” the Minister said.
She also encouraged public servants who are working at these facilities to always report when facilities are not in good working condition. – SAnews.gov.za
