Deputy Minister Morolong Calls for Integrity and Renewal in Public Service

The Deputy Minister’s remarks come as government observes Integrated Public Service Month (IPSM), a national programme dedicated to strengthening the ethos of service delivery.

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has urged South Africa’s public servants to recommit themselves to the values of integrity, accountability, and excellence in their daily work. Delivering the keynote address at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Public Service Day event in Tshwane on Friday, Morolong stressed that serving the public is a “sacred vocation” rather than just a career path.

Public Service as a Calling

The Deputy Minister’s remarks come as government observes Integrated Public Service Month (IPSM), a national programme dedicated to strengthening the ethos of service delivery. He reminded officials that the principles of Batho Pele—putting people first—must remain the cornerstone of their work.

“Public service is not merely a job; it is a vocation rooted in the principles of Batho Pele,” Morolong said. “Our work is not measured by time on the job, but by the lives we touch and the positive change we create. It is a promise to act with empathy, to listen with patience, and to deliver with dignity and respect.”

He underscored that government departments such as the GCIS sit at the “intersection of policy and the people it is meant to serve.” Effective communication, he added, has the power to liberate citizens from ignorance and exclusion, ensuring that ordinary South Africans have access to the right information at the right time, in a language and medium they trust.

Lessons from the Past

Reflecting on the words of former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel in 2004, Morolong reminded attendees that humility remains a defining trait of a true civil servant. “Humility towards the poor is the greatest attribute of a civil servant,” he quoted. For the GCIS, this means ensuring communities are informed about opportunities such as bursaries, grants, and public consultations, thereby enabling active citizen participation and accountability.

A Call to Renewal

This year’s IPSM is framed around five strategic pillars:

• Visibility of the executive in communities

• Responsiveness

• Professionalism and ethical conduct

• Building trust

• Encouraging citizen participation

Morolong described these pillars as a framework for civil servants to renew their commitment to service. “The 2025 to 2026 government-wide Integrated Public Service programme is a call to action to reaffirm our dedication to integrity, accountability, and excellence,” he emphasized.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted that IPSM is both a celebration and a moment of reflection. On one hand, it honors the dedication of public servants who go beyond the call of duty to improve the lives of South Africans. On the other, it serves as a mirror, prompting officials to ask whether current programmes are responsive, inclusive, and impactful.

Restoring Public Trust

Morolong urged government communicators and civil servants to embrace transparent and empowering communication as a tool to rebuild public trust. “As public servants we must be at the forefront of renewing public trust by telling the South African story with honesty, courage, and purpose,” he concluded.

As the IPSM observance continues throughout September, his message sets the tone for a renewed focus on ethical governance and people-centered service delivery.