THOHOYANDOU – The Department of Agriculture is the best government department in the province. The department received a platinum award, a R50 000 cash prize, a trophy and a certificate during the premier’s excellence awards ceremony that was held at the auditorium of the University of Venda last Friday evening.

The first prize in the Best Service Delivery team of the year category went to Elim Hospital. The hospital received a cash prize of R50 000, a platinum award, a trophy and a certificate. The second place went to Hanyani Thomo High School. The school was awarded with a cash prize amounting to R30 000, a gold award, certificate and a trophy. The Waterberg District of the Department of Roads and Transport and Lebowakgomo Hospital shared the third position. Each of them went away with a cheque of R20 000, a silver award, a certificate and a trophy.

Elim Hospital obtained the first position in the Best Support team of the year category. They were given a cheque of R20 00, a platinum award, a trophy and a certificate for their achievement. Letaba Hospital and Mopani Examination Centre took the second and third position respectively.

Tintwalo Hospital was nominated as the most innovative team of the year. They took home a platinum award, a certificate, a trophy and a cash prize of R50 000. “All of us have a right to public service. If we do not get the service in terms of the eight Batho Pele principles, we must insist on them,” said the premier, Mr Sello Moloto, in his key-note address.

Premier Moloto stated that it was embarrassing to see that huge amounts of financial resources budgeted for infrastructure are being rolled over every year while millions of people do not have shelter, classrooms, clinics, electricity and hospitals.

The function was sponsored by Absa, the official bankers for the Limpopo Province. During the ceremony, a representative from the bank, Mr Kenneth Mlhongo, stated that the bank is happy to be associated with the Limpopo Provincial government.