Tshwane: Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has made a compelling call for public servants across South Africa to renew their commitment to serving the nation with “integrity, accountability, and excellence” during Integrated Public Service Month (IPSM).
According to South African Government News Agency, Morolong delivered his keynote address at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Public Service Day, emphasizing the importance of public service as a vocation deeply rooted in the principles of Batho Pele, which prioritizes putting people first. He highlighted that the measure of public service is not in hours worked but in the lives positively impacted and the change effected through empathy, patience, and responsibility.
Morolong emphasized the pivotal role of the GCIS in bridging policy and the people it serves. Citing a statement by former Minister of Finance Trevor Manuel, Morolong underscored the significance of humility in public service, particularly in ensuring that information reaches the right people in an accessible manner. He noted that the effective operation of the GCIS empowers citizens, liberating them from ignorance and enabling them to seize opportunities and hold the government accountable.
The Deputy Minister stressed that IPSM is a call to action for all civil servants, anchored on five strategic pillars: visibility, responsiveness, professionalism, ethical conduct, trust, and citizen participation. He articulated that the 2025 to 2026 government-wide Integrated Public Service programme is designed to renew and reaffirm commitments to these ideals.
Morolong further noted that the month serves as a moment to honor exceptional public servants and as a time for introspection, urging civil servants to assess their adherence to service delivery ideals. He called for a recommitment to transparent and empowering communication that embodies humility and professionalism, with the ultimate goal of renewing public trust by truthfully narrating the South African story.