EMPOWERING FUTURE PUBLIC SERVANTS

The Provincial Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), through its Human Resource Development Directorate, in collaboration with the National School of Governance, conducted a five-day training programme for interns.

The training, titled “Breaking Barriers to Entry into Public Service,” aimed to capacitate interns with a deeper understanding of how government operates. The sessions were highly interactive, fostering meaningful engagement between the interns and the facilitator, Ms Kedibone Phala.

Throughout the programme, interns were taken through a range of critical topics that form the backbone of public service. These included an overview of the South African Constitution, providing a foundational understanding of the country’s legal and governance framework. Discussions also highlighted the importance of public service and administration, emphasising the role of government in improving the lives of citizens.

Further sessions unpacked the three spheres of government, national, provincial, and local allowing interns to better understand the structure and coordination required for effective governance. The workshop also explored the key attributes of a public servant, encouraging professionalism, accountability, and a service-oriented mindset.

In addition, interns were introduced to the National Development Plan (NDP), gaining insight into South Africa’s long-term vision for growth and development. A strong emphasis was placed on ethics and integrity, reinforcing the importance of transparency, honesty, and ethical conduct in the public sector.

The training served as a valuable platform to equip CoGHSTA interns with the knowledge, skills, and perspective required to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the public service environment.