21 May 2013

Public officers have been challenged to serve the government of the day and afford the tax paying public prompt and predictable service during all normal business hours.

Responding to allegations of political sabotage by some public officers during the Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) 14th Women’s Wing congress in Kang recently, the Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Dr Gloria Somolekae said sometimes it is shortage of staff, shortage of resources like vehicles and the wheels of bureaucracy as opposed to sabotage that delays service to the nation.

Dr Somolekae highlighted that most of the public officers have no agenda against the BDP led government, and perform their duties in a manner that is beyond reproach. 

She argued that information on government programmes, policies and schemes should be shared on a large scale to ensure all Batswana know which doors to knock on, adding that some people get frustrated from pursuing programmes that are not appropriate for them. 

However, where there is substantial evidence of sabotage on the part of public officers, she urged members of the public to escalate the concerns to the heads of the departments and parastatals in question so appropriate action could be taken against perpetrators.

She explained that the government uses a model that requires all public officers to give their best whenever required to do so at any hour of the day and during any day of the year regardless of the government in power or political affiliation.

 Dr Somolekae warned that no Motswana should be denied service on the basis of gender, status or place of origin, among others. 

The public service charter states that public officers are employed and paid by the tax paying public and must adhere to the highest standards of diligence and efficiency as a matter of pride and national duty.

It further states that it is the function of politicians to attack or defend policies and the function of public officers to understand, explain the policies to the public and implement them on behalf of the government. ENDS