Public Service and Administration Minister Ayanda Dlodlo has called on all public servants to observe the principles of Batho Pele and put people first.
Batho Pele requires public servants to be responsive, timeous and efficient at all times when rendering services to members of the public.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Minister Dlodlo said she is extremely concerned about a growing number of incidents where public servants have been found either on the wrong side of the law or acting unprofessionally and neglecting their duties.
She said this type of conduct degrades the image of government in the eyes of the public, who expect and deserve high standards of performance and professionalism.
“We have to be firm against those people who take their work for granted and in the process violate the citizen’s rights to services. We must act even harsher against those who are involved in corrupt activities and acts of misconduct in the public service,” she said.
As part of celebrating Human Rights Day on 21 March 2018, the Minister announced that her department will embark on a campaign to encourage public servants to observe Batho Pele principles.
“We must practically live according to the mantra of the public service – We Belong, We Serve, We Care,” said the Minister. – SAnews.gov.za
