In recognition of employee’s long service, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works' Southern Region took the opportunity to celebrate and thank its loyal employees. Awards were presented to all those who dedicated their efforts in contributing towards service delivery in government. The Long Service Awards were held on 26 October 2018 at the Royal Agricultural Show Grounds in Pietermaritzburg. Recognition of long service was given to employees who have reached important milestones in their career between 10 and 40 years with Public Works. Chief Director for Corporate Services, Mr Phiweyo Duma kick-started the awards programme with the purpose of the day. He thanked the employees for their commitment to the Department, “All of you are great team players, it takes a team player to be a good public servant. If you did not possess traits of team players you would have felt frustrated and left the Department long ago,” he emphasised. As part of his address, he also introduced the Head of Department, Dr Gaster Sharpley.
Above: Mr Thobuyise Mchunu (left) with Mr Bongani Mlaba (Award Recipient) and Dr. Gaster Sharpley (handing the award) with Mr Phiweyo Duma (far right)
In his keynote address, Dr Sharpley gave words of encouragement. “To those of you that have been in the public service for 10 years, may those years not be a target but let it be a milestone in your journey to do better in whatever you are in the workplace,” he advised with caution. He also congratulated and thanked all those who were to receive the awards. “Government usually does not recognise good employees, a government job is known to be a ‘thankless job’, that is why we thought it would be important to take this opportunity to show that you are appreciated.”
The highlight of the event was Mr Bongani Mlaba who was the only one to receive an award of recognition for having served a period of 40 years in the Public Service. At age of 61, Mr Mlaba said he will never forget the day he started working for Public Works. “It was a day that changed my life for the better. I remember like it was yesterday, it was a bright summer’s day on 12 December 1977 that I made my way to work for the very first time as a cleaner. My very first salary was the amount of R50. I know it sounds little but in those days it went a long way as I was able to provide for my family.” Mr Mlaba advised other employees that the secret to being a good employee is to work smart, be disciplined and steadfast in performing your duties at work.
