President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for a change in mindset and attitude among public servants and the adoption of a basic-needs and service-excellence approach.

In her first address to public servants, Nandi-Ndaitwah reminded them to improve customer care and to not see the demands of the citizens as a burden. 

"We have heard the complaints of poor service, inaccessibility, and rude officials. This is not how the servants of people must serve people. I, therefore, demand immediate change. We talk of public service because those who make up that body are people who have committed themselves to serve the public and not themselves."

President Nandi-Ndaitwah equally cautioned that there would be consequences for non-performance and for the wastage observed in the public service.

"We do not have time to waste. We must move with the wagon, swiftly and with purpose. If you are ready to be part of this transformation, you are welcome on board. If not, you must re-evaluate your purpose in the public service. There will be no business as usual." 

The more than 100,000 public servants as employees are entitled to benefits, including a monthly salary, medical aid, and a number of other benefits.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah, however, made it clear that while these benefits are a driving force that must propel the workforce towards the accomplishments of their assignments, serving in government also offers a sense of fulfilment and other non-monetary rewards.

"You must bear in mind other Namibians out there who are roaming the streets without employment opportunities. That should help you develop an attitude of gratitude. When we count our blessings, we will serve with humility. You must know, self-enrichment at the expense of the public is a breach of the contract and a betrayal of the nation's trust."

Poverty, inadequate access to services, and indignity faced by Namibians are but some of the challenges that the President wants the public service to address through reformed approaches.