Batho Pele principles in the spotlight

The government has reiterated its commitment to implement an effective and efficient public service.

This was demonstrated when services were brought to farming communities during the Batho Pele celebrations, held at Schuitdrift farm, 49km outside Musina.

Led by Mayor Carol Phiri, government and municipal officials provided services for the local communities who usually travel to town to access those services. Phiri said it was important to restore the dignity of all South Africans after 20 years of democracy.

“Everyone has the right to access government services, despite their geographical location. Community members should report if government and municipal officials are not treating them with dignity. That is why we encourage employees to have identification cards, so that community members are able to identify them. Our wealth is our people and that is why we make sure that they all enjoy the fruits of our freedom. As a responsible government, we are compelled to abide by Batho Pele principles whenever we serve our people. We will ensure that public servants are appropriately skilled to render services to citizens with speed and at a lowBatho Pele principles in the spotlighter cost.”

Phiri said Batho Pele principles were developed to serve as acceptable policy and legislative framework regarding service delivery in the public service. “These principles are aligned with the Constitutional ideals of promoting and maintaining high standards of professional ethics, providing service impartially, fairly, equitably and without bias, utilizing resources efficiently and effectively and responding to people's needs.  We encourage our citizens to participate in policy and decision-making processes of their democratic government. Our benchmark is to render an accountable, transparent, and development-oriented public administration.”

She said all government officials and councilors should always adhere to Batho Pele principles of consultation, setting service standards, increasing access, ensuring courtesy, providing information, openness and transparency, redress, and value for money.  “In addition to the Batho Pele principles, we are rolling out campaigns that include instilling an ethos of public service aimed at inculcating a new culture of responsiveness, dedication and patriotic commitment in the minds of public servants as part of a strategy of building a public service cadre," she added.

Government departments and stakeholders that were there to render services include the Musina Municipality, Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Health and Social Development, Home Affairs, Fire and Rescue Services, Public Works and Treasury.

News - Date: 01 November 2013

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