The Department of Local Government and Housing in Limpopo has done it again! It outclassed the other provincial departments during the Premier´s excellence awards, which were held in Polokwane last Tuesday evening.

The department won the category in terms of providing the best services, for the second consecutive time.

The Premier Service Excellence awards are held to recognize excellence in the public service in improving service delivery. The awards were presented in four different categories, the best service delivery team, best support team, best innovative team and the best department of the year.

The MEC for Local Government and Housing, Mr Soviet Lekganyane, said that through introductions of campaigns such as "My RDP, My Pride", the department strives to attain recognised standards of service quality and maintain continuous improvement in service delivery. “We shall dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of excellence and innovation in the use of information and communication technology to enhance public service delivery," he said.

The department´s "My RDP, My Pride" initiative was also recognized as the Best Innovative Team of the year. The campaign encouraged RDP beneficiaries to value their property by renovating houses, planting trees and vegetables and by maintaining beautiful and clean yards. Through the campaign, the department educates people about the importance of taking proper care of the environment and improving the image of their homes. RDP beneficiaries with the most beautiful gardens, home renovations and cleanest yards stood a chance of winning prizes, ranging from home improvements to home furniture and garden equipment.