BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – Public servants across the Kingdom have been urged to embrace innovation, professionalism and accountability as Government intensifies efforts to build a responsive and high-performing public sector capable of driving Eswatini’s development agenda.
This message was delivered by the Minister of Public Service in a statement commemorating United Nations Public Service Day 2026, observed on Tuesday under the global theme: “Transforming Public Institutions: Advancing Innovation, Participation and Inclusion.”
The Minister said the day serves as an important opportunity to recognise the critical role played by public servants in advancing national development, promoting good governance and improving the quality of life for citizens.
“Today, the Kingdom of Eswatini joins the rest of the world in commemorating Public Service Day,” the Minister said. “This day is dedicated to recognising the indispensable role of the public service in advancing national development, promoting good governance and improving the lives of our citizens.”
The statement highlighted that the annual commemoration is not only a celebration of public servants but also a moment of reflection on the responsibility Government employees carry in ensuring that citizens receive efficient, ethical and people-centred services.
According to the Minister, the men and women serving in various Government departments continue to demonstrate resilience, dedication and professionalism despite the increasing demands placed on public institutions.
The Minister further emphasised that Government remains committed to building a public service that is accountable, transparent and focused on results.
Under the leadership of His Majesty King Mswati III, the public sector has embraced the Nkwe Mandate, which calls on public servants to serve with urgency, integrity, innovation and excellence.
The Minister explained that the mandate requires Government employees to move beyond routine administration and instead cultivate a culture driven by patriotism, professionalism and measurable outcomes.
“Public servants are expected to become agents of transformation who contribute directly to the Kingdom’s development aspirations,” the Minister said.
A significant portion of Government’s transformation agenda is focused on strengthening human capital development.
The Minister noted that guided by resolutions from the 2023 Sibaya People’s Parliament and the Government Programme of Action for 2024/25 to 2027/28, the Ministry of Public Service is implementing reforms aimed at improving leadership capacity and institutional effectiveness across Government.
Among the flagship initiatives already underway are the Good Governance and Public Service Excellence Programme (GGPSEP) and the Senior Leadership and Management Programme – Eswatini (SLMP-ES).
These programmes are designed to nurture ethical, competent and visionary leaders who can steer public institutions towards improved service delivery and sustainable development.
Government believes that investing in leadership development will strengthen the capacity of ministries, departments and agencies to respond effectively to the needs of citizens.
The Minister stressed that building a capable public service is central to achieving Eswatini’s long-term development goals.
As the Kingdom pursues the objectives outlined in the National Development Plan, the African Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, public servants have been called upon to place citizens at the centre of every decision and service delivered.
The Minister stated that excellence in public service must be reflected through professionalism, transparency, accountability, innovation and the timely delivery of quality services.
He noted that the public service remains one of the most important institutions in national development because it serves as the direct link between Government policies and the people they are intended to benefit.
“The greatest measure of success lies in the positive impact we make in the lives of the people we serve,” the Minister said.
The statement described public office as a sacred trust and urged Government employees to remain committed to serving the nation with honour and dedication.
The Minister also used the occasion to commend thousands of public servants who continue to work tirelessly in schools, hospitals, police stations, correctional facilities, local authorities and Government offices across the country.
Their efforts, he said, play a critical role in ensuring that essential services reach citizens while supporting economic growth and national stability.
Government’s focus on innovation and institutional reform comes at a time when many countries around the world are seeking to modernise public administration and improve efficiency through technology, better governance systems and citizen participation.
Eswatini has increasingly positioned public sector reform as a key pillar in achieving sustainable development and improving service delivery outcomes.
The Minister concluded by expressing gratitude to all public servants for their unwavering dedication and contribution to the Kingdom’s progress.
“On behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini, I extend my sincere appreciation to all public servants for their unwavering dedication and invaluable contribution to national development,” the Minister said.
“I encourage you to continue serving with integrity, patriotism and excellence as we collectively build a prosperous and resilient Eswatini.”
As the nation marked United Nations Public Service Day, the message from Government was clear: a modern, innovative and citizen-focused public service remains fundamental to achieving the Kingdom’s aspirations for growth, prosperity and inclusive development.
