1. Emanating from the declaration of the first Pan-African Conference of Ministers of Public (or Civil) Services in 1994, the Minister has agreed that 23 June should be celebrated annually as Africa Public Service Day (APSD) to "recognize the value and virtue of service to the community". APSD is an entrenched strategic event on the African Union calendar and has since been part of the continental strategy to boost public administration programmes, public sector performance and governance.
2. The decision made by the Minister's office - of embracing one theme - will give effect to "Delivery of quality service for sustainable development" by focussing on the following:

  • The citizens
  • Involvement of non-state actors
  • Innovation in service delivery
  • Enhancing service delivery through information and communication technology
3. All government departments within the Western Cape will participate in the celebration of APSD and focus on the above-mentioned areas of focus during Public Service Week (PSW) in 2009.
4. To this end, the WCED will celebrate APSD on the 23 June 2009, by introducing the attached friendly suggestions to improve service to our most valued assets, our clients (including our staff). This celebration will be effective only with the full participation and commitment of all staff at Head Office and education district offices. The impact of the combined effort of Head Office and district offices will be quality assured and reported to clients.
5. During PSW (29 June - 3 July 2009) the foyers of Head Office and education district offices may be used as exhibition areas for different directorates and sub directorates to showcase their individual contributions in realising "delivery of quality service for sustainable development".
6. The attached Appendix A provides examples of projects that would match the theme of PSW in 2009. Directorates are requested to confirm with Mr Leslie Daniels, SDIP co-ordinator, at tel. 021 467 2059 or e-mail ledaniels@pgwc.gov.za by 24 June 2009 if they wish to set up an exhibition at Head Office. Displays must be mounted - and manned, if there are security concerns - by the directorates concerned. They may be set up for 1 or 2 days, depending on demand. Directorates are encouraged to make use of this opportunity. The final Head Office programme for PSW will be e-mailed to all staff once it is approved.
7. Please share the content of this minute with the staff in your component.


SIGNED: AMJ SCHLEBUSCH
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2009:01:05

Friendly Practical Suggestions to Improve Service  (size: 13 KB)
Appendix A: Examples of Initiatives that Directorates or Subdirectorates could take  (size: 12 KB)