Johannesburg - Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane has called for the introduction of a new work culture in the public service which would result in improved service delivery.
Delivering her first State of the Province Address at the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Kliptown, Soweto on Tuesday, Ms Mokonyane, who is renowned for her commitment to hard work, lashed out at lazy public servants.
"A new work culture must prevail. We are determined to do things differently. The level of rudeness and arrogance displayed by some of our civil servants towards the public has reached unacceptable proportions. We must bring an end to this scourge.
"Hard work, efficiency, speed and quality of service delivery will be the order of the day. Kuyasheshwa (meaning speed up)," she said.
To the applause of the masses, the premier said the success of the government depended on a highly committed public service.
"Our people revealed to us horrible stories about the attitude of our workers, the public servants. They told us how our elderly people are neglected and abused at pension pay points. They told us how they are undermined and made to wait hours in long queues by civil servants who value their tea time more than service," she said.
The premier said instead of doing what they are being paid for, "arrogant and lazy public servants spend time talking on phones with their friends".
Ms Mokonyane said the role of public servants must take on another dimension and all must pledge to serve the people with dignity, respect and passion.
Public servants, she said, must understand and appreciate what an ordinary person expects from them.
Issuing a stern warning to civil servants who are involved in corrupt activities, she said: "Acts of corruption negligence and maladministration will be dealt with severely. If you steal linen in our public hospitals, you must be punished for that act.
"If police officers and court officials lose case dockets, they will have to lose their jobs too. We cannot afford to have a justice system that is compromised by rogue elements."
