Programme Director
Ms Thandi Sibanyoni (former AREM of the Northern Cape)
Mr Oscar Zanoxolo Mpeta Acting REM of SASSA NC
Ms Sibongile Setlaba Acting REM Free State
Ms Tshidi Mamabolo – Acting REM Limpopo
Ms Nthabiseng Mosieleng attending on behalf of the Acting REM of North West
Ms Tapsy Saul – Chief Director: Corporate Services at the Dept of Social Development
Ms Kedisaletse Williams  - Provincial manager: SEDA
Patieince Mogale  -  Regional manager of IDT
Mr Moreothata Mmusinyane  -  Manager: Traditional Affairs at COGHSTA
Ms Lerato Motlhala  -  On behalf of Acting Regional Manager: National Dept of Public Works
Ms Dineo Mosete - Senior Manager:  SASSA Internal Communication
Mr Charles Moeti  - on behalf of GCIS Provincial Director
Ladies and gentlemen

It is always a pleasure to meet and engage with our sister and partner in the Social Development sphere. The last time we met as family was in December last year when we celebrated the 10th Anniversary of this glorious agency of government.
South Africa as a country which has emerged from the ruins of apartheid, which was nearly destroyed by apartheid, owes to itself to double its inputs in order to rebuild the political, social, economic and moral fabric of the society. We need to start by promoting a strong work ethic as a foundation for a productive nation, if we want to be competitive and prevail.
We are grateful to you that over the years, you resisted apartheid, fought relentlessly against injustice meanwhile holding together the fabric of public service delivery. 
And for that we cannot thank you enough because loyalty and reliability have become precious attributes we cannot do without in the strive to obtain our department’s vision and mission and get the important tasks SASSA has to do, done
We are here today to celebrate the life of pioneers, pathfinders, people who have been there before us, to show the path and lead the way. It is your knowledge that plays an active part in this country’s past and future history so that your children and their children will be grateful that you have made a significant difference in the lives of those who are most vulnerable.
But today is about taking time out, as a department, to attend to the very critical matter of wellness. It should always be borne in mind that it only a healthy, physically active and mentally fit workforce that can advance the mandate of this Agency with vigour.

It is an engaged, involved, inclusive team that works collaboratively in the department which can ensure that we serve the people of the Northern Cape with dedication, commitment, humility and loyalty.

It is also an “up-to-the-task” workforce, in all respects, that can deliver the radical socio-economic transformation programme government is implementing.
 
Among us are members of staff who have worked and dedicated themselves in the service of the public for a long period of time. In today’s ceremony, fifty three employees who have completed 10 years continuous service, two for twenty years and another two for thirty years – will receive certificates. Congratulation to you all!

We pay tribute to all of you who are receiving long service awards for a job well-done.

As public servants, your work for the people is notable as we transform our country towards becoming a truly “democratic, united, non-racial, non-sexist, equal and prosperous” nation.

Ladies and gentlemen, the current government has always highlighted skills and human resources as one of its strategic priorities. This underpins our commitment to empowering public servants through continuous training and education, so you can better contribute towards eradicating poverty, unemployment and inequality – the triple challenge our country faces.

It is our obligation to continue to invest in these skills development and training programmes to ensure that we create a sufficient pool for skills to meet our current and future needs – across all levels.

Like President Jacob Zuma once said, and I quote: “To achieve all our goals, we must hold ourselves to the highest standards of service, probity and integrity. Together we must build a society that prizes excellence and rewards effort, which shuns laziness and incompetence. Therefore, to all those present here today, and for you to share with colleagues who could not attend- the enhanced service delivery to citizens depends upon a clean, accountable, efficient and effective administration and governance.

We must always take a self-critical look and decide how as the South African Social Security Agency, we can change the poor perceptions of the public about government.

You must be concerned that corruption and maladministration continue to define government’s work, more than the great service delivery achievements we record in terms of our management of the payment of Social and other relief grants.

You must be very worried when your department receives qualified audits from the Auditor-General. But beyond being worried, you must resolve to change the status quo, and strive to be excellent.  We need unity and dedication in order to provide a quality of service to the citizens of our province, and country.

It can at times be a very daunting task to serve our people. Just hold on to the belief that you are serving selflessly for the befit of those we need you the most. Take comfort and be guided by the word of Philippians 4:13- “I can do all this through him who gives me strength”.
For those already on pension or considering taking any soon, remember your communities require your experience. Volunteer to assist and promote community development through active participation. The skills you acquired and the experience you gained should stand in good stead as you interact with your community members.

In closing, I would like to once again thank you for your commitment to the Public Service as a whole and to the South African Social Security Agency specifically.
Thank you for working so hard for us and for our clients! Your dedication is so meaningful and know that you are valued and appreciated. You are part of a family that will always appreciate your efforts and where you will always have a home. Remember and boldly declare that My SASSA. Your SASSA is Our SASSA

Thank you