Niël Terblanché
President Nangolo Mbumba has urged Namibian public servants to prioritise citizens in their duties and tailor public services to meet the needs of the people during the commemoration of Africa Public Service Day.
On Sunday, the African continent celebrated Africa Public Service Day to highlight the role that public servants play in nation-building and governance.
Mbumba’s message resonated with the values of dedication, professionalism, and continuous improvement that are essential for effective public service delivery. “As Namibian public servants, you can honour this day by upholding the values and professionalism of the public service we provide to our citizens. We have to put citizens at the heart of everything we do in public service and deliver services that meet their requirements,” Mbumba said.
The theme for this year’s observance is “Empowering a Citizen-centric Public Service for an Inclusive and Thriving 21st Century Africa: A Journey of Lifelong Learning and Technological Transformation,”.
Mbumba stressed the need for public servants to demonstrate commitment to the citizens they serve, meeting their needs and expectations with diligence and integrity.
“Public servants are first and foremost about the citizens to whom they are obliged to provide public services,” he added.
In light of the rapid technological advancements and the ever-evolving global landscape, President Mbumba called for a continuous embrace of innovation and lifelong learning among public servants.
He reiterated the need for public service institutions to adapt and evolve, leveraging technology to enhance the quality and efficiency of service delivery.
“It is through the relentless dedication and tireless efforts of public servants that we achieve progress and uphold the principles of good governance,” President Mbumba said.
He urged public servants to improve the quality of the services they provide and strengthen Namibia’s governance architecture, which is critical for acting in the best interest of the continent and its citizens.
Mbumba also called for greater collaboration and teamwork within the public sector, promoting a culture of high performance, accountability, and responsiveness.
By doing so, he believes Namibia can build a more prosperous and equitable society that reflects a shared vision for the future.
“By fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity, we can build a more prosperous and equitable Namibia. Together, we can ensure that our public services are responsive, efficient, a source of pride, and a testament to our shared vision for a better future for Namibia and its citizens,” President Mbumba said.
He added that Africa Public Service Day serves as a reminder of the dedication required to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Mbumba’s message called for public servants to strive for excellence and place citizens’ well-being at the forefront of their efforts.
