21 Apr 2016

Sempe Bakinaki is by far a patriot and a master of his own ambitions. His enthusiasm and dedication towards the public service arena was not reeled by luck but rather by blood, sweat and tears. His 39 year tenor in public service is a true indication that indeed he appreciated his job more than anything.

The 66 year old former mechanic in the Department of Roads and Transport in Maun has been working his fingers to the bone to uphold and serve his subdivision diligently without venality nor exploitation. He completed his primary education at Sehithwa Primary School in1 968. 

Even though he did not further his education, he took solace in doing odd jobs to better his life. In a short period, he landed a job at Ngwauko Copper Mine, south of Sehithwa.“After I finished my primary education, I decided to look for a job to help out my extended family. 

So in 1972 to 1975 I applied for a job at Ngwauko Copper mine and later left to pursue a permanent job as a groundsman in the department of roads and transport, my duties being cutting trees and clearing the roadside. The map of my experiences was drawn from this department,” said Mr Babinake.

Later on, Mr Babinaki was promoted to the post of fuel attendant, a post he deemed lucrative because he was beginning to earn a little more than he did as a groundsman. Mr Babinaki wittingly explained that in the olden days promotion depended on how one diligently wrote his proposal letter to the supervisors. 

The mother language mattered in many ways hence his articulacy worked highly in his favour. “Back then, the rural roads department was in partnership with the Norwegian Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), hence we worked with foreigners most of the time. 

So I gathered enough courage and wrote my supervisor a petition for promotion. The little English I grasped along the way, I put it into good use. Surprisingly my request was accepted,” he said.Soon after, Mr Babinaki was promoted to the post of specialist mechanic and his main duties were fixing the department’s tractors, land cruisers and trucks. Mr Babinaki believes that he was drawn to this job from the beginning and only fate answered his heed. 

Later in the year he and a couple of his colleagues attended a two week workshop and short courses at Botswana Institute of Administration Authority and Commerce in Gaborone. Mr Babinaki impressively attained Trade C. He was exposed to other work outside his comfort zone such as; welding and working with heavy duty machinery like graters and dozers. In return for his hard work he was awarded various certificates for first aid as well as Grade Test B.

Rural roads department ended their partnership with the Norwegian NGO. ‘This Norwegian organisations was very helpful and added upon a huge impact in the roads department. The supervisors were inspiring and encouraged us to do our best. They also brought along skills and manpower (engineers, mechanics, and technicians).  It’s a pity our relationship with them ended,” he noted.

Duties at the department relentlessly continued and Mr Babinaki worked harder to mark his place. They tarred roads in Maun and other places such as Palapye, Shoshong, Khakhea, Makopong, Sefhophe and Bobonong. Not forgetting the construction of the road during the time of the infamous floods from Thabala to Shoshong. 

In all these, Mr Babinaki’s services and assistance were dutifully recognised, there was always machinery to fix.His duties spiralled to ordering parts and writing requisitions as authorised by his superior so that when they reach the accounts office everything runs smoothly. During these days, Mr Babinaki still remained loyal to his job. 

What motivated this deep-rooted man to join the public service is that it was easier to acquire a decent job in the olden days despite educational background. Hence he pursued a job that is close to his heart.  He noted that promotion laid upon the fact that one is hardworking, resilient and trustworthy in his/her job.

Humorously, he said that before doing mechanics he always wanted to be a constructor but fate planned otherwise. Mr Babinaki’s highest achievement in his field was being able to share his expertise and knowledge with up-and-coming operators. 

One of his proudest moments was mentoring a genius called Onneile Gaoutswe. Today, he is more successful that he was something he revered as extraordinary.According to Mr Babinaki, the difference between public service of today and that of yesterday is that what matters most is qualifications not experience. 

No matter how long one stayed or excelled in the job would never attain promotion without higher qualifications and this deeply saddens him as the old hands’ efforts are not recognised. 

Another factor is that nowadays when an experienced mentor tutors their apprentice, the apprentice usually take their expertise for granted, rather they think they know better since they are the ones with the qualification. Experience of a superior does not faze them.Mr Babinaki frowned at civil servants who misuse government funds and other resources such as vehicles. 

However, he was optimistic that the government is doing its best to curb the situation.Babinaki highlighted that a lot can be done to improve public service in Botswana. He stated that employees should be highly motivated and given incentives. Employees should also conduct their work diligently even without supervision and make this country proud.

Mr Babinaki said people should do good unto the government of Botswana as one good deserves another and never to mislead nor manipulate the good faith the public has on them in anyway. END