Johannesburg - Workers in the public service sector are the engine South Africa runs on, Public Service Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said on Friday.
“It is worth repeating over and over, so that we, who are in the public service understand our centrality. The public service is the engine of the state,” Sisulu said.
She was speaking at the National Batho Pele Excellence Awards in Midrand on Thursday night.
“It is worth repeating also because the public service needs to understand that if the engine is not performing optimally, the state cannot deliver as fast as it should.”
In August, Sisulu's department announced the public service charter. It is an agreement between labour unions in the public service co-ordinating bargaining council and government to improve the standard of service delivery.
Sisulu said if she had her way she would have awarded public service labour unions for their understanding and dedication.
“Unfortunately the professional nature of our relationship does not allow for such gestures that might be seen as patronising,” she said.
There are 14 categories for nomination. The awards would take place in September every year.
Sapa