In a step towards strengthening the public sector, the Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, and Deputy Minister Ms Pinky Kekana recently convened their first meeting with the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) Executive Committee (EXCO) since being sworn in by President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday.
The meeting allowed the new Minister and Deputy Minister to engage with the Exco fostering an open dialogue on the crucial issues facing the public service.
Minister Buthelezi echoed these sentiments, expressing his conviction that public servants must be motivated by a genuine sense of purpose, rather than solely personal gain. “I seldom feel a sense of duty from public servants. From when I was young – people used to be motivated by the sense to serve and not pay – today people are motivated by personal gain,” he remarked.
The Minister and Deputy Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by the public sector, including the need for a “paradigm shift” in the next 12 months to ensure that citizens feel the impact of meaningful change. “We understand hardships – but there should be no excuse,” Minister Buthelezi stated, emphasizing the importance of accountability and a collective commitment to excellence.
The Minister stressed the need for a collaborative approach and urged the leadership to foster a culture of shared responsibility, where “we should all play our fair share collectively.”
Addressing the DPSA Exco, Deputy Minister Pinky Kekana emphasised the government’s commitment to serving the people, stating, “The smile you see today is the smile you will always see as long as we serve our people.” She highlighted the importance of dedication and integrity, noting, “By our being trusted, it will mean that we are doing what we are supposed to do.”
The meeting concluded with a call to action, challenging the DPSA Exco to “do what is right the first time” and explore innovative solutions to drive the transformation of the public service.
After this meeting with the DPSA leadership, the Minister and Deputy Minister met with the general staff members of the department for a meet-and-greet session. This allowed the Ministry to introduce themselves to the department’s employees.
