African Civil Service Strives for Excellence
24 June 2004
 |
| Senior civil servants from Commonwealth Africa at a Commonwealth Consultative Meeting on the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) |
Mozambique's Minister of Public Administration, Jose Chichava, underlined the importance of reform in public service to provide quality and efficiency.
Commemorating Africa Civil Service Day on 23 June 2004, which coincided with the gathering of more than 40 top level civil servants from Commonwealth Africa at a Commonwealth Consultative Meeting on the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, UK, Mr Chichava said: "Governments should provide enabling environments for the public sector to develop and to thrive. This will translate into greater efficiency and productivity of the civil service."
John Mitala, Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Ugandan Civil Service, and President of the African Association of Public Administration and Management, commented: "In this era of globalisation, Africa faces unprecedented challenges, politically, economically and socially. Since the public services are the implementing arm of our various governments, the role expected of these public services cannot be over-emphasised. Public servants should ask themselves what they can do and whether they have done it for the good of the people. The public servants must sharpen their will to serve the people unreservedly."
Africa Civil Service Day was instituted by the first Pan-Africa Conference of Ministers of Public Service in Tangiers, Morocco, in June 1994. This year's theme is 'The Civil Service: A Vehicle for Ensuring Better Services'.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said that the African public service has been a major player in national development and urged Commonwealth African countries to strive further to achieve excellence. He stated: "This day was set to recognise that democracy and successful governance are built on the foundation of a competent civil service. Thus, we must strategically position and define our roles in providing an enabling support mechanism for delivery of public services at the national and continental levels, in support of NEPAD in the promotion of sustainable development."
Mr McKinnon believed that the civil service should play a role in promoting socio-economic development and professionalism in its services to society. He said: "The civil service can be an effective channel to promote good governance, peace and democracy. Africa Civil Service Day provides a golden opportunity for governments, civil servants and citizens to celebrate achievements, to reflect on the challenges ahead and to re-energise by enhancing efficiency, productivity and dedication in serving the nation."
delicious
digg
reddit
facebook
stumbleupon
News feeds