Honoured For Dedication and Commitment (isiZulu)
Above: Dr Sharpley (far right) and his delegation ready for the certificate
handover session as recipients came through
On Thursday 31 January 2019, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works, honoured North Coast
Region employees at a long service awards ceremony to show appreciation for the hard work they
have put in serving the people of South Africa. The ceremony was held at the L.A Chamber Old
Parliament at Ulundi and the programme was directed by the ever-enthusiastic Mr. Tarzan Ntsele,
the Employee Health and Wellness practitioner for the Region.
The Regional Director, Mr.Sboniso Majola welcomed and thanked management and employees for
their presence. “I urge all employees to teach their newly appointed colleagues to give their best no
matter the position. Everyone has a unique but very important role in the Department, which means
all employees must excel in their work in order for the Department to achieve its goals and improve
the lives of the public,” Majola said.
In action: Mr Duma in a
cultural dance of joy
As Mr. Phiweyo Duma, the Chief Director for Corporate Service was to introduce the Head of Department, Mr Gaster Gilbert Sharpley he made his way to the podium singing a traditional song and danced while the crowd cheered him along with excitement. “Let us ask ourselves, what is it that I have done to improve the Department Public Works?” Encouraging the employees he answered, “Be motivated to go to work. Ask yourself a question why am I here? Be helpful to others and be proud of the results of your work,” encouraged Mr Duma.
Left: Head of Department: Dr S. Sharpely delivering his keynote address, whilst (on the right) HOD
handed over a certificate to Mr Khuzwayo from Zulu-Land District Office
In his keynote address, Dr Sharpley expressed his gratitude to all the employees, especially those recipients of the long years of service awards on their commitment in the Public Service. As words of encouragement, he said, “Always remember where you come from. Where you come from reflects on how you conduct yourself, everywhere you go including the workplace”. He further motivated the employees, “Let us be activists and be productive in our various positions”. He warned all employees who are close to retiring to be very careful of crooks and spend their earnings wisely. Thereafter, the handing-over ceremony took place, graced by the Head of Department supported by Messrs Duma and Majola respectively. The major long service award of the event was a 40 Years of Faithful Service accolade that was received by Mr Khuzwayo from Zulu-Land District Office. Other recipients were awarded 30, 20 and 10 years’ service awards as public servants. Speaking on behalf of the recipients Deputy Director Mr. Z.M Nkosi said, “thank you to Department of Public Works and as employees we are not done yet, let us assist new employees in achieving the Department’s goal”. Delivering the vote of thanks Acting Deputy Director for Programme Management, Mrs. Lukele, who extended appreciation and thanks to Dr Sharpely and his management team not only for their presence but also for their leadership and support. “To the employees, thank you for your dedication through it all”.