Premier warns civil servants to refrain from politics

Addressing a two-day executive lekgotla in Mbombela yesterday, Premier Mabuza said the provincial administration should remain disciplined; stay focused and must continue to work for the people with dignity.

He stated that it is normal that civil servants would have their views, he however urged them to stay away from politics but should focus on the task at hand, which was to deliver the services for the people. “This Lekgotla takes place when we are preoccupied by the next conference of the governing party, which will elect a new leadership for the next phase of our struggle. Once this has passed, the focus will immediately be on the 2019 elections.

He also explained that the current provincial administration was in a sense entering a transition period to the next, and it was important to accelerate the implementatino of government programmes on key commitments.

“This is a critical time in the life of our government as we officially enter the last lap towards completion of the term of the current administration and preparing for the next cycle. “It is as if, all that is doing is corruption thus putting a stain on the good work we are doing. That is why at a governance level, we must pay attention to improving our systems and improving our performance on audit outcomes, reflecting a commitment to clean governance,” said Mabuza.

The Premier further extended his appreciation to the administration for the work done thus far in the implementation of the government work.
“At the heart of our interventions, we should be preoccupied by a determination to work hard towards the fulfilment of the hopes and aspirations of our people to enjoy a secure and decent livelihood, be in gainful employment, and have hope that ending poverty and inequality is possible,” he ended.