MATSAPHA – Minister for Public Service Mabulala Maseko says the Kingdom of Eswatini’s wish is to see African public services rise together to meet the aspirations of the people.
He said such aspirations include dignity, opportunity, prosperity and accountable governance.
The minister said this when officially closing the 44th AAPAM Roundtable Conference, which was held at Esibayeni Lodge, Matsapha between Tuesday and yesterday.
“This moment marks the closure of what I personally consider to be a successful 44th Edition of the AAPAM Roundtable Conference,” the minister said.
He said they have been meeting there over the past few days under the theme; ‘Agile Public Administration: Partnership and Digital Transformation for Citizen-Centric Service Delivery’. He said this theme reflected the absolute necessity of their time to transform their public sector into a responsive and efficient engine, based on the understanding that the future of effective governance and service delivery lies in agility, digital transformation and partnerships.
In other words, he said citizen-centric service delivery does not solely rest on policy formulation, but also largely hinges on collaboration, innovation and investment.
In that regard, he said every voice in the room counts – from the public sector, private sector, development partners, civil society, community, women and youth, among other groups.
“Together as a people, we hold equal value in shaping the solutions to the challenges confronting African governments,” the minister said.
Thereafter, he said, as a host nation for the 44th Edition of the AAPAM Roundtable Conference, they are honoured that the AAPAM family chose the Kingdom of Eswatini for this important gathering. He said they trust that during their stay they have experienced not just a conference venue in Eswatini, but the heart of the nation.
He added that he hopes they have felt the warmth of emaSwati’s hospitality because in Eswatini, warmly welcoming visitors is not done as an obligation, but it is the way of life. Again, he said they have witnessed the country’s rich culture through vibrant performances that reflect their pride, identity, unity and cultural heritage.
“The rhythm of our dances, the colours of our regalia and the voices of our performers told the story of a people deeply rooted in tradition, yet confidently looking to the future,” the minister said.
After that, he shared government has, as a matter of strategic national vision, committed to positioning the Kingdom of Eswatini as the Cultural Hub of Africa – a centre of excellence for cultural exchange, heritage preservation, creative industries and international cultural tourism.
He said their traditions, ceremonies and creative expressions continue to be safeguarded not only as symbols of their past, but as platforms for economic development, continental dialogue and people-to-people diplomacy.
Once more, the minister said in hosting the AAPAM Roundtable Conference, infused with cultural performances and authentic national experiences, Eswatini has sought to exemplify this strategic direction.
*Full article available in our publication
Leave a comment