Government value the newly established association of former senior government officials, which will significantly contribute, to the developmental agenda of the country, says Public Service and Administration Minister, Ms Ayanda Dlodlo.
The Association of Former Directors-General was officially unveiled two days before the wrapping up of Public Service Month, which has been celebrated throughout the month of September in recognition of the critical role of the public service in society.
“The combined institutional memory, expertise, experience and skills that you possess as former Directors-General is critical both to the State and the Citizens of this country.
“As government, we value this initiative to contribute to our developmental agenda and we indeed hold in high esteem those who were resolute enough to be part of this process to contribute to the transformation and growth of our democracy,” she said.
The launch of the association also takes place during the year that the South African government is celebrating one of the servant leaders, the late Charlotte Maxeke.
According to the Minister, the launch of the former Directors-General Association is indicative of a collective that continues to live and advocate her principles of servant leadership that the country needs to traverse the current turbulent times presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I am particularly pleased that the Association is committed to providing access for the public service to the much-needed skills, knowledge, and experience through mentoring, advice and advocacy,” she said.
The Minister also appealed to the Association to contribute to the goal of building a capable and ethical state as espoused in the National Development Plan (NDP) with a key focus on:
- Positioning the Association to contribute to public service human resource development;
- Contributing to the development of youth, to cultivate a new band of senior managers by imparting knowledge that strengthens the capacity of senior managers in government;
- Positioning the Association as a think-tank that continuously provides government with research knowledge; and
- Championing ethical servant leadership.
“Our task of contributing to the building of a capable and ethical public service is enormous, and we, therefore, appreciate the support that will be offered by the Association,” she said.
