Tshwane – Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has urged South African public servants to renew their commitment to serving with “integrity, accountability, and excellence.”
Morolong was delivering the keynote address at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Public Service Day on Friday, as part of Integrated Public Service Month (IPSM).

Public Service as a Vocation
He reminded civil servants that public service is not simply a job but a vocation, rooted in the principles of Batho Pele – putting people first.
“Public service is not merely a job; it is a vocation rooted in the principles of Batho Pele, putting people first. This means our work is not simply measured by time on the job, but by the lives we touch and the positive change we create,” Morolong said.
He stressed the need for empathy, patience, and responsibility in engaging with citizens to ensure their needs are met with dignity and respect.
The Role of GCIS
Morolong highlighted the role of GCIS in ensuring citizens receive information that is timely, accessible, and trustworthy.
“For the GCIS, humility towards the poor means ensuring that the right information reaches the right people at the right time – in a language they understand and through a medium they trust,” he explained.
“When the GCIS does its job well, we liberate citizens from ignorance, uncertainty, and exclusion, while enabling them to claim opportunities and hold government accountable.”

Call to Action
The Deputy Minister emphasized that Integrated Public Service Month is both a time for renewal and reflection.
“The programme is anchored on five pillars: visibility of the executive in communities, responsiveness, professionalism and ethical conduct, trust, and citizen participation. It is a call to action to reaffirm our commitment to serve with integrity, accountability, and excellence,” he said.
He further acknowledged the dedication of public servants who “go above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in the lives of ordinary South Africans.”
Honouring Service & Renewing Trust
Morolong encouraged introspection within the public sector, urging civil servants to ask difficult but necessary questions about inclusivity, impact, and responsiveness of government programmes.
“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.