Service delivery improvement is vital to ensure a better life for all South Africans, says Public Service and Administration Minister, Ms Noxolo Kiviet.

Minister Kiviet visited Middelburg in the Eastern Cape on Thursday as part of her community outreach programme a precursor to the Presidential Imbizo, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Chris Hani District on Friday, August 11, 2023.

The Presidential Imbizo aims to enhance understanding of the DDM and facilitate the delivery of essential services to the people.

“I want to assure you that we are committed to maintaining regular communication with communities. Your voices matter, and we are here to listen.

“Service delivery improvement is crucial to ensure a better life for all our people. The District Development Model (DDM) plays a pivotal role in assessing the level of service rendition and engaging with communities to improve services.

“We will continue to focus on the areas that have been visited through the DDM programme and address the issues raised. Feedback will be provided, and progress will be shared with you.

“However, we cannot do it alone. We need the commitment of departmental leadership, inter-departmental and inter-governmental collaboration, regular reporting, appropriate resourcing, and skilled public servants,” she said.

The Minister further described her community outreach as a testament to government’s commitment to engage actively with communities to address service delivery issues through the DDM and the “Taking Government to the People” programme.

“The DDM programme has provided us with a valuable platform to directly engage with citizens and stakeholders like yourselves.

“It has allowed us to understand your needs, hear your concerns, and work together to find solutions to the challenges you face.

“We have visited government service sites, held consultations, and made both announced and unannounced visits to ensure that we have a comprehensive understanding of service delivery in your communities,” she said.

Minister Kiviet said it is her department’s collective duty to enhance coordination and collaboration amongst government departments, municipalities, and civil society organisations.

Through collaborative efforts, she said government can ensure that all departments are adequately equipped to address the needs of communities.

To address service delivery challenges effectively, Minister Kiviet said there is a need to enhance the government’s capability to provide relevant services.

This, she said, involves improving systems, processes, and procedures, as well as adhering to the principles of Batho Pele.

“We need to streamline operations, evaluate productivity regularly, and maintain high standards of service delivery.

“Inter-governmental relations are crucial in maintaining synergy across the three spheres of government.

“We must continue to foster strong relationships and ensure effective communication. The war-room approach can be an effective tool in achieving this synergy,” she said.

The Minister further emphasised the importance of investing in the capacity and capability of public servants.

This, she said, should include providing public servants with appropriate tools, continuous training, and creating conducive workplace environments.

“By doing so, we can enable them to deliver services efficiently and effectively. Innovation and creativity are key to overcoming challenges and finding sustainable solutions.

“We must encourage and support innovative approaches to service delivery. Let us embrace new ideas and technologies that can enhance the quality and accessibility of public services,” said Minister Kiviet.